Tactile presentation control apparatus, tactile presentation panel, tactile presentation touch panel, and tactile presentation touch display

ABSTRACT

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a tactile presentation control apparatus that can provide an operation feeling of a dial knob that allows intuitive operation by a tactile sense of the user, and is user-friendly. A tactile presentation control apparatus according to the present disclosure that has a tactile presentation knob placed on an operation surface and presents a tactile sense to a user via the tactile presentation knob. The tactile presentation control apparatus includes a tactile determination unit that determines the tactile sense according to a state of an apparatus operated with the tactile presentation knob, and a tactile control unit that performs control to present, as the tactile sense determined by the tactile determination unit, a frictional force between the tactile presentation knob and the operation surface in a state where the tactile presentation knob and the operation surface have contact with each other.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is based on PCT filing PCT/JP2019/051099), filedDec. 26, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a tactile presentation controlapparatus that presents a tactile sense to the user via a tactilepresentation knob, a tactile presentation panel including the tactilepresentation control apparatus, a tactile presentation touch panelincluding the tactile presentation panel and a touch panel, and atactile presentation touch display including the tactile presentationtouch panel and a display panel.

BACKGROUND ART

A touch panel is widely known as an apparatus that detects and outputs aposition (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a “touch position”)instructed by an indicator such as a finger of the user or a pen on atouch screen, and there is a projected capacitive touch panel (PCAP) asa touch panel using a capacitive sensing system. The PCAP can detect atouch position even in a case where a surface on the user side(hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a “front surface”) of a touchscreen is covered with a protective plate such as a glass plate having athickness of about several mm. Further, the PCAP has advantages such asexcellent robustness because a protective plate can be arranged on thefront surface, and long life because no movable portion is included.

A touch screen of the PCAP includes a detection row direction wiringlayer that detects coordinates of a touch position in a row directionand a detection column direction wiring layer that detects coordinatesof a touch position in a column direction. In description below, thedetection row direction wiring layer and the detection column directionwiring layer may be collectively referred to as a “detection wiringlayer”.

Further, a member on which the detection wiring layer is arranged isreferred to as a “touch screen”, and an apparatus in which a detectioncircuit is connected to the touch screen is referred to as a “touchpanel”. Furthermore, an area where a touch position can be detected onthe touch screen is referred to as a “detectable area”.

As the detection wiring layer for detecting electrostatic capacitance(hereinafter, may be simply referred to as “capacitance”), a firstseries conductor element formed on a thin dielectric film and a secondseries conductor element formed on the first series conductor elementwith an insulating film interposed between them are included. There isno electrical contact between the conductor elements, and one of thefirst series conductor element and the second series conductor elementoverlaps the other in plan view when viewed from the normal direction ofthe front surface. However, there is no electrical contact between theconductor elements, and the conductor elements intersectthree-dimensionally.

Coordinates of a touch position of an indicator are identified ascapacitance (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “touch capacitance”)formed between the indicator and a conductor element which is adetection wiring by a detection circuit. Further, the touch positionbetween conductor elements can be interpolated by a relative value ofdetected capacitance of one or more conductor elements.

In recent years, a touch panel as an operation panel including a switchor the like has become used for many personal devices instead of amechanical switch. However, since the touch panel has no unevenness likea mechanical switch and has a uniform touch, a surface shape is notchanged by operation. For this reason, it is necessary to perform allthe operation processes from position check of a switch to operationexecution and operation completion by relying on vision, and there is aproblem in reliability of blind operation and operability by a visuallyhandicapped person at the time of operation performed in parallel withother work such as operation of a sound or the like during driving of anautomobile.

For example, since a touch panel has become widely used in an in-vehicledevice from the viewpoint of designability, it is difficult to operatethe in-vehicle device by blind touch during driving, and from theviewpoint of ensuring safety, attention to a touch panel with a functionthat enables operation by blind touch is increasing. Further, inconsumer devices, a touch panel as an operation panel has become used inmany home appliances and electronic devices. Furthermore, from theviewpoint of designability, devices equipped with the PCAP whose surfaceis protected with cover glass are also increasing. However, since thetouch panel has a smooth surface, it is difficult to check the positionof a switch by touch, and it is difficult to support universal design.In the case of the PCAP, a smooth glass surface is required as designproperty, and it is difficult to support universal design such asprocessing unevenness on a glass surface corresponding to a switchposition.

As a countermeasure against the above, there is a method of notifyingthat operation has been accepted and that operation has been completedby voice. However, a function and versatility equivalent to those of amechanical switch are yet to be achieved, since, for example, anenvironment in which a voice function can be used is limited due toprivacy and noise problems. If there are a function of presenting theposition of a switch on the touch panel, a function of receivingoperation, and a function of feeding back the completion of operation tothe user by tactile sense, it is possible to realize operation by blindtouch and support for universal design.

A mobile phone and a smartphone may have a tactile feedback featureusing vibration to compensate for operational reliability and non-visualoperability. It is expected that a feedback function by vibration inconjunction with operation by the user will rapidly become familiar, anddemand for more advanced tactile feedback will increase.

Systems for generating a tactile sense are roughly divided into threetypes: a vibration system, an ultrasonic system, and an electric system.A feature of the vibration system is that it is possible to coexist withthe PCAP and the cost is low. However, the vibration system isunsuitable for incorporation of a vibrator into a housing in a mannerthat the entire device vibrates sufficiently, and the area cannot beincreased due to the limit of output of a vibrator. The ultrasonicsystem is capable of generating a tactile sense that cannot be generatedby other systems, such as a smooth feeling. However, for the same reasonas the vibration system, the ultrasonic method is unsuitable forincorporation into a housing, and is disadvantageous in that a largearea cannot be obtained. The electric system includes an electrostaticfriction system that generates a tactile sense by an electrostaticfrictional force and an electric stimulation system that directlyapplies an electric stimulus to a finger. These systems can generate atactile sense at an optional position, and a large area can be obtainedand multi-touch can be supported.

Hereinafter, the electric system will be described. Note that,hereinafter, a member in which a tactile electrode is arranged on atransparent insulating substrate is referred to as a “tactilepresentation screen”, and an apparatus in which a detection circuit isconnected to the tactile presentation screen is referred to as a“tactile presentation panel”. Further, an area where a tactile sense canbe presented on the tactile presentation screen is referred to as a“tactile presentable area”.

Regarding a tactile output device for a rotary knob, for example, inPatent Document 1, a knob corresponding to the rotary knob is attachedon a screen of a display apparatus to which a touch panel is attached.The knob can be manually rotated by the user, and a projection isprovided on a lower surface. When the user performs rotation operationof the knob, the projection moves while being in contact with a touchsurface in accordance with the rotation operation. When the projectionmoves on the touch surface, the rotation operation of the knob isconverted into touch operation. In a case where the user performsrotation operation, an actuator is controlled to vibrate the knob with awaveform corresponding to operation content.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENT Patent Document

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6570799

SUMMARY Problem to be Solved by the Invention

In Patent Document 1, since the knob is attached and fixed onto thescreen of the display apparatus to which the touch panel is attached,the user cannot perform rotation operation of the knob at an optionalposition where the user can easily operate the knob. Further, since atactile sense is presented to the knob by vibration by the control ofthe actuator, a tactile sense that can be presented to the knob islimited to a vibration feeling and a click feeling, and an operablerange defined by stopping the rotation operation cannot be presented.Furthermore, since a frictional force between the screen of the displayapparatus and the knob when there is no tactile sense is alwaysconstant, a resistance feeling when the knob is rotated cannot bechanged. As described above, there is a problem in Patent Document 1that it is not possible to provide an operation feeling of a dial knobthat allows intuitive operation by a tactile sense of the user, and isuser-friendly.

The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problem, and anobject of the present disclosure is to provide a tactile presentationcontrol apparatus, a tactile presentation panel, a tactile presentationtouch panel, and a tactile presentation touch display that can providean operation feeling of a dial knob that allows intuitive operation by atactile sense of the user, and is user-friendly.

Means to Solve the Problem

A tactile presentation control apparatus according to the presentdisclosure is a tactile presentation control apparatus that has atactile presentation knob placed on an operation surface and presents atactile sense to a user via the tactile presentation knob. The tactilepresentation control apparatus includes a tactile determination unitthat determines the tactile sense according to a state of an apparatusoperated with the tactile presentation knob, and a tactile control unitthat performs control to present, as the tactile sense determined by thetactile determination unit, a frictional force between the tactilepresentation knob and the operation surface in a state where the tactilepresentation knob and the operation surface have contact with eachother.

Effects of the Invention

According to the present disclosure, the tactile presentation controlapparatus includes a tactile determination unit that determines thetactile sense according to a state of an apparatus operated with thetactile presentation knob, and a tactile control unit that performscontrol to present, as the tactile sense determined by the tactiledetermination unit, a frictional force between the tactile presentationknob and the operation surface in the state where the tactilepresentation knob and the operation surface have contact with eachother. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an operation feeling of adial knob that allows intuitive operation by a tactile sense of the userand is user-friendly.

An object, a feature, an aspect, and an advantage of the presentdisclosure will become clearer from detailed description below and theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating aconfiguration of a tactile presentation touch display according to afirst embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an exampleof a configuration of the tactile presentation touch display of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining electrostatic capacitanceformed between a tactile electrode and a tactile presentation knobincluded in a tactile presentation panel in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is a perspective view for explaining electrostatic capacitanceformed between the tactile electrode and the tactile presentation knobincluded in the tactile presentation panel in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating an example of a voltage signal of a firstfrequency applied to a first electrode of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating an example of a voltage signal of asecond frequency applied to a second electrode of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating an amplitude modulation signal generatedby combining voltage signals of FIGS. 5 and 6 .

FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating an example of a touch screen in FIG.2 .

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A1 and lineA2-A2 in FIG. 8 .

FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating an example of the touch screen inFIG. 2 .

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line B1-B1 andline B2-B2 in FIG. 10 .

FIG. 12 is a plan view schematically illustrating a configuration of thetouch screen having a segment structure according to the firstembodiment.

FIG. 13 is a plan view schematically illustrating an example of shapesof an excitation electrode and a detection electrode in a touch screenhaving a segment structure according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a plan view schematically illustrating an example of shapesof an excitation electrode and a detection electrode in a touch screenhaving a segment structure according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a plan view schematically illustrating a configuration of atactile presentation screen of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram for explaining electrostatic capacitanceformed between the tactile electrode and an indicator included in thetactile presentation panel in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 17 is a plan view schematically illustrating a configuration of thetactile presentation panel having a segment structure according to thefirst embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a plan view schematically illustrating an example of a shapeof the tactile electrode of the tactile presentation panel having asegment structure according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a plan view schematically illustrating an example of a shapeof the tactile electrode of the tactile presentation panel having asegment structure according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram for explaining electrostatic capacitanceformed between the tactile electrode and the tactile presentation knobin a case where a pitch of the tactile electrode included in the tactilepresentation panel in FIG. 2 is larger than a diameter of the tactilepresentation knob.

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram for explaining electrostatic capacitanceformed between the tactile electrode and the tactile presentation knobin a case where a pitch of the tactile electrode included in the tactilepresentation panel in FIG. 2 is smaller than a diameter of the tactilepresentation knob.

FIG. 22 is a schematic view illustrating a configuration of a rotationportion of the tactile presentation knob according to the firstembodiment.

FIG. 23 is a schematic view illustrating a configuration of a fixingportion in a case where a position where the tactile presentation knobaccording to the first embodiment is placed is fixed at one place.

FIG. 24 is a schematic view illustrating a configuration of a rotationshaft portion in a case where a position where the tactile presentationknob according to the first embodiment is placed moves.

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram for explaining a capacitance profile ofline C-C w % ben the touch screen according to the first embodimentdetects the position of the tactile presentation knob.

FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining calculation of a rotation amount ina case where there is a plurality of position detection units accordingto the first embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a schematic view illustrating a configuration of an edgeportion of a conductive elastic portion according to the firstembodiment.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration ofthe tactile presentation touch panel of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram for explaining electrostatic capacitanceformed in the tactile presentation touch panel in FIG. 1 when theindicator is not in contact with the tactile presentation knob.

FIG. 30 is a timing chart schematically illustrating an operation timingof the tactile presentation touch panel of FIG. 1 when the indicator isnot in contact with the tactile presentation knob.

FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram for explaining electrostatic capacitanceformed in the tactile presentation touch panel in FIG. 1 when theindicator is in contact with the tactile presentation knob.

FIG. 32 is a timing chart schematically illustrating an operation timingof the tactile presentation touch panel of FIG. 1 when the indicator isin contact with the tactile presentation knob.

FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram for explaining electrostatic capacitanceformed in the tactile presentation touch panel in FIG. 1 when thetactile presentation touch panel detects a touch position.

FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram for explaining electrostatic capacitanceformed in the tactile presentation touch panel in FIG. 1 when thetactile presentation touch panel generates a tactile sense.

FIG. 35 is an image diagram schematically illustrating movement ofcharges accumulated in the conductive elastic portion when the tactilepresentation knob is connected to the ground via the indicator at thetime of voltage signal application according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 36 is an image diagram schematically illustrating movement ofcharges accumulated in the conductive elastic portion when a part oftactile electrodes with which the tactile presentation knob is incontact via a dielectric layer is connected to the ground at the time ofvoltage signal application according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 37 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration ofthe tactile presentation touch panel when a part of tactile electrodeswith which the tactile presentation knob is in contact via a dielectriclayer is connected to the ground at the time of voltage signalapplication according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 38 is a diagram for explaining an operation region of the tactilepresentation knob according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform configurationof a voltage signal applied to each operation region when the tactilepresentation knob according to the first embodiment is operated.

FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform of a voltagesignal applied to each operation region according to the firstembodiment.

FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform of a voltagesignal applied to each operation region when an apparatus according tothe first embodiment is in an operation state.

FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frictional forcegenerated when a waveform of the voltage signal of FIG. 41 is applied toeach operation region.

FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform of a voltagesignal applied to each operation region when an apparatus according tothe first embodiment is in a stopped state.

FIG. 44 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frictional forcegenerated when a waveform of the voltage signal of FIG. 43 is applied toeach operation region.

FIG. 45 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform of a voltagesignal applied to each operation region when an apparatus according tothe first embodiment is in an operation state.

FIG. 46 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frictional forcegenerated when a waveform of the voltage signal of FIG. 45 is applied toeach operation region.

FIG. 47 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform of a voltagesignal applied to each operation region when an apparatus according tothe first embodiment is in a stopped state.

FIG. 48 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frictional forcegenerated when a waveform of the voltage signal of FIG. 47 is applied toeach operation region.

FIG. 49 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform of a voltagesignal applied to each operation region when an apparatus according tothe first embodiment is in an operation state.

FIG. 50 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frictional forcegenerated when a waveform of the voltage signal of FIG. 49 is applied toeach operation region.

FIG. 51 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform of a voltagesignal applied to each operation region when an apparatus according tothe first embodiment is in a stopped state.

FIG. 52 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frictional forcegenerated when a waveform of the voltage signal of FIG. 51 is applied toeach operation region.

FIG. 53 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform of a voltagesignal applied to each operation region when an apparatus according tothe first embodiment is in an operation state.

FIG. 54 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frictional forcegenerated when a waveform of the voltage signal of FIG. 53 is applied toeach operation region.

FIG. 55 is a diagram illustrating a use example in a case where thetactile presentation touch display according to the first embodiment ismounted on an automobile.

FIG. 56 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform of a voltagesignal applied to each operation region when an apparatus according to asecond embodiment is in a stopped state.

FIG. 57 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frictional forcegenerated when a waveform of the voltage signal of FIG. 56 is applied toeach operation region.

FIG. 58 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform of a voltagesignal applied to each operation region when an apparatus according tothe second embodiment is in an operation state.

FIG. 59 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frictional forcegenerated w % ben a waveform of the voltage signal of FIG. 58 is appliedto each operation region.

FIG. 60 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform of a voltagesignal applied to each operation region when an apparatus according tothe second embodiment is in an operation state.

FIG. 61 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frictional forcegenerated when a waveform of the voltage signal of FIG. 60 is applied toeach operation region.

FIG. 62 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform of a voltagesignal applied to each operation region when an apparatus according tothe second embodiment is in an operation state.

FIG. 63 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frictional forcegenerated when a waveform of the voltage signal of FIG. 62 is applied toeach operation region.

FIG. 64 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform of a voltagesignal applied to each operation region when an apparatus according tothe second embodiment is in an operation state.

FIG. 65 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frictional forcegenerated when a waveform of the voltage signal of FIG. 64 is applied toeach operation region.

FIG. 66 is a diagram for explaining an operation region of the tactilepresentation knob according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 67 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform configurationof a voltage signal applied to each operation region when the tactilepresentation knob according to the third embodiment is operated.

FIG. 68 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform of a voltagesignal applied to each operation region when an apparatus according tothe third embodiment is in a stopped state.

FIG. 69 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frictional forcegenerated w % ben a waveform of the voltage signal of FIG. 68 is appliedto each operation region.

FIG. 70 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform of a voltagesignal applied to each operation region when an apparatus according tothe third embodiment is in an operation state.

FIG. 71 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frictional forcegenerated when a waveform of the voltage signal of FIG. 70 is applied toeach operation region.

FIG. 72 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform of a voltagesignal applied to each operation region when an apparatus according tothe third embodiment is in an operation state.

FIG. 73 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frictional forcegenerated when a waveform of the voltage signal of FIG. 72 is applied toeach operation region.

FIG. 74 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform of a voltagesignal applied to each operation region when an apparatus according tothe third embodiment is in an operation state.

FIG. 75 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frictional forcegenerated when a waveform of the voltage signal of FIG. 74 is applied toeach operation region.

FIG. 76 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform of a voltagesignal applied to each operation region when an apparatus according tothe third embodiment is in an operation state.

FIG. 77 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frictional forcegenerated when a waveform of the voltage signal of FIG. 76 is applied toeach operation region.

FIG. 78 is a diagram for explaining an operation region of the tactilepresentation knob according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 79 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform configurationof a voltage signal applied to each operation region when the tactilepresentation knob according to the fourth embodiment is operated.

FIG. 80 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform of a voltagesignal applied to each operation region according to the fourthembodiment.

FIG. 81 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frictional forcegenerated when a waveform of the voltage signal of FIG. 80 is applied toeach operation region.

FIG. 82 is a diagram for explaining an operation region of the tactilepresentation knob according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 83 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform configurationof a voltage signal applied to each operation region when the tactilepresentation knob according to the fifth embodiment is operated.

FIG. 84 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform of a voltagesignal applied to each operation region when an apparatus according tothe fifth embodiment is in a stopped state.

FIG. 85 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frictional forcegenerated w % ben a waveform of the voltage signal of FIG. 84 is appliedto each operation region.

FIG. 86 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform of a voltagesignal applied to each operation region when an apparatus according tothe fifth embodiment is in an operation state.

FIG. 87 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frictional forcegenerated when a waveform of the voltage signal of FIG. 86 is applied toeach operation region.

FIG. 88 is a diagram illustrating a use example in a case where thetactile presentation touch display according to a sixth embodiment ismounted on an FA device.

FIG. 89 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an exampleof a configuration of the tactile presentation touch display accordingto a seventh embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment

<Tactile Presentation Touch Display>

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating aconfiguration of a tactile presentation device in which a tactilepresentation knob 3 is placed on a tactile presentation touch display 1according to a first embodiment to present an operational feeling and atactile sense of an operation amount. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional viewschematically illustrating a configuration of the tactile presentationtouch display 1.

The tactile presentation touch display 1 includes a tactile presentationtouch panel 400 and a display panel 300 to which the tactilepresentation touch panel 400 is attached. The display panel 300 includesa pressure sensitive sensor 216. The tactile presentation touch panel400 includes a tactile presentation panel 100 and a touch panel 200. Thetactile presentation panel 100 includes a tactile presentation screen150 and a voltage supply circuit 110. The touch panel 200 includes atouch screen 250 and a touch detection circuit 210.

In the first embodiment, the tactile presentation screen 150 is arrangedon the side (front side) facing the user of the tactile presentationtouch display 1, and is fixed to a surface (front surface) facing theuser of the touch screen 250 by an adhesive material 20 b. The touchscreen 250 is fixed to a surface (front surface) facing the user of thedisplay panel 300 facing the user by an adhesive material 20 a.

The tactile presentation screen 150 includes a transparent insulatingsubstrate 101, a tactile electrode 102, and a dielectric layer 106. Thetactile electrode 102 includes a plurality of first electrodes 102 a anda plurality of second electrodes 102 b alternately arranged at intervalson the transparent insulating substrate 101. The dielectric layer 106covers a plurality of the first electrodes 102 a and a plurality of thesecond electrodes 102 b. The tactile presentation screen 150 iselectrically connected to the voltage supply circuit 110 by a flexibleprint circuit (FPC) 108.

The touch screen 250 includes a substrate 201 that is transparent andhas insulating property, an excitation electrode 202, a detectionelectrode 203, an interlayer insulating layer 204, and an insulatinglayer 205. The touch screen 250 is electrically connected to the touchdetection circuit 210 by the FPC 108. The touch detection circuit 210detects a touched position on the transparent insulating substrate 101of tactile presentation screen 150. This enables not only tactilepresentation but also touch position detection on the transparentinsulating substrate 101. The touch detection circuit 210 includes, forexample, a detection integrated circuit (IC) for detecting a change inelectrostatic capacitance due to touching and a microcomputer. Detailsof the configuration of the touch screen 250 will be described laterwith reference to a specific example.

The display panel 300 includes two transparent insulating substratesfacing each other, and a display function layer sandwiched between themand having a display function. The display panel 300 is typically aliquid crystal panel. The display panel 300 may be an organicelectro-luminescence (EL) panel, a micro light emitting diode (LED)panel, or an electronic paper panel. The touch panel 200 is typically aPCAP.

<Outline of Tactile Presentation Panel>

FIG. 3 is a diagram for schematically explaining electrostaticcapacitance C_(NE) formed between the tactile electrode 102 and thetactile presentation knob 3 included in the tactile presentation panel100. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of FIG. 3 . When the tactilepresentation knob 3 touches a contact surface CT which is a part of thefront surface of the tactile presentation screen 150, electrostaticcapacitance C_(NE) is formed between the tactile presentation knob 3 andthe tactile electrode 102 on the contact surface CT via the dielectriclayer 106. Note that, in these diagrams, only a tactile presentationvoltage generation circuit 113 included in the voltage supply circuit110 (see FIG. 2 ) is illustrated for easy understanding of the diagrams,and other configurations included in the voltage supply circuit 110 arenot illustrated. A more specific configuration of the voltage supplycircuit 110 will be described later.

The tactile presentation voltage generation circuit 113 included in thevoltage supply circuit 110 includes a first voltage generation circuit113 a and a second voltage generation circuit 113 b. The first voltagegeneration circuit 113 a applies a voltage signal V_(a) to the firstelectrode 102 a located on at least a partial region of the transparentinsulating substrate 101 among a plurality of the first electrodes 102a, and applies the voltage signal V_(a) to all the first electrodes 102a located on at least a partial region of the transparent insulatingsubstrate 101 in the first embodiment. The second voltage generationcircuit 113 b applies a voltage signal V_(b) to the second electrode 102b located on at least a partial region of the transparent insulatingsubstrate 101 among a plurality of the second electrodes 102 b, andapplies the voltage signal V_(b) to all the second electrodes 102 blocated on at least a partial region of the transparent insulatingsubstrate 101 in the first embodiment.

Each of FIGS. 5 and 6 is a graph illustrating an example of the voltagesignal V_(a) and the voltage signal V_(b). The voltage signal V_(a)(first voltage signal) of the first voltage generation circuit 113 a hasa first frequency. The voltage signal V_(b) (second voltage signal) ofthe second voltage generation circuit 113 b has a second frequencydifferent from the first frequency. An amplitude of the voltage signalV_(a) and an amplitude of the voltage signal V_(b) may be the sameamplitude V_(L). In the examples of FIGS. 5 and 6 , sine waves havingdifferent frequencies are used as the voltage signal V_(a) and thevoltage signal V_(b). Instead of the sine wave, a pulse wave or onehaving another shape may be used. In order to generate a sufficientlylarge tactile sense, the amplitude V_(L) is preferably about severaltens of volts.

FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating an amplitude modulation signal V_(N)generated by combining the voltage signal V_(a) (see FIG. 5 ) and thevoltage signal V_(b) (see FIG. 6 ). The voltage signal V_(a) is appliedto the first electrode 102 a, and the voltage signal V_(b) is applied tothe second electrode 102 b. As a result, in a region where theelectrostatic capacitance C_(NE) (see FIG. 4 ) is formed between each ofthe first electrode 102 a and the second electrode 102 b and the tactilepresentation knob 3, charging and discharging are repeated according tothe amplitude modulation signal V_(N) having a maximum amplitude V_(H)that is approximately twice the amplitude V_(L). As a result, anelectrostatic force corresponding to the amplitude modulation signalV_(N) having the maximum amplitude V_(H) is applied to the tactilepresentation knob 3 that is in contact with the first electrode 102 aand the second electrode 102 b via dielectric layer 106. The amplitudemodulation signal V_(N) has a beat frequency corresponding to adifference between the first frequency and the second frequency.Therefore, when the tactile presentation knob 3 rotates on the tactilepresentation screen 150, a frictional force acting on the tactilepresentation knob 3 changes at the above-described beat frequency. As aresult, the tactile presentation knob 3 vibrates at a beat frequency.The user perceives the vibration of the tactile presentation knob 3 as atactile sense obtained from the tactile presentation screen 150. Asdescribed above, the tactile presentation screen 150 included in thetactile presentation panel 100 is configured to generate a tactile senseby changing a frictional force applied to the tactile presentation knob3 by controlling an electrostatic force applied to the tactilepresentation knob 3.

As described above, the amplitude modulation signal V_(N) having avoltage approximately twice that of each of the input voltage signalV_(a) (see FIG. 5 ) and the voltage signal V_(b) (see FIG. 6 ) isgenerated. In this manner, the amplitude modulation signal V_(N)necessary for exerting a desired frictional force on the tactilepresentation knob 3 can thus be generated by the voltage signal V_(a)(see FIG. 5 ) and the voltage signal V_(b) (see FIG. 6 ) having avoltage of approximately ½ of the amplitude modulation signal V_(N).Therefore, as compared with a case where an amplitude modulation signalis directly input to the first electrodes 102 a and the second electrode102 b, the same electrostatic force can be generated at a voltage of ½,and low-voltage driving can be performed.

In order to present a sufficiently large tactile sense to the user, themaximum amplitude V_(H) only needs to be sufficiently large in a mannercorresponding to the tactile sense, and the amplitude V_(L) may be asmall value as compared with that. Therefore, the amplitude V_(L) itselfdoes not need to be as large as generating a sufficiently large tactilesense. As a result of the amplitude V_(L) being set in this way, in astate where only one of the first electrode 102 a and the secondelectrode 102 b is in contact with the tactile presentation knob 3, theuser hardly perceives a tactile sense regardless of how the frequenciesof the voltage signal V_(a) and the voltage signal V_(b) are selected.

In order to facilitate positioning of the tactile presentation knob 3across the first electrode 102 a and the second electrode 102 b, a pitchP_(E) of the tactile electrodes 102 is preferably smaller than adiameter R_(NE) of the contact surface CT. This will be described laterin detail.

<Touch Panel>

FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating a touch screen 250 a of a capacitivesensing system as an example of the touch screen 250 (see FIG. 2 ). FIG.9 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A1 and lineA2-A2 in FIG. 8 .

The touch screen 250 a includes a plurality of row direction wiringlayers 206 and a plurality of column direction wiring layers 207. Eachof the row direction wiring layers 206 includes a plurality ofexcitation electrodes 202 (see FIG. 2 ) electrically connected to eachother, and each of the column direction wiring layers 207 includes aplurality of detection electrodes 203 (see FIG. 2 ) electricallyconnected to each other. In FIGS. 8 and 9 , the row direction wiringlayer 206 and the column direction wiring layer 207 are illustratedignoring such a microstructure. The excitation electrode 202 (see FIG. 2) has a single layer film or a multilayer film of metal, or a multilayerstructure including any of these and also using another conductivematerial. As the metal, for example, low resistance metal such asaluminum or silver is preferable. The same applies to the detectionelectrode 203 (see FIG. 2 ). By using metal as a wiring material, wiringresistance can be reduced. In contrast, a metal wiring, which is opaque,is easily visually recognized. In order to lower the visibility andincrease the transmittance of the touch screen, a thin wire structure ispreferably provided to the metal wiring. The thin wire structure istypically mesh-like.

Each of the row direction wiring layers 206 extends along the rowdirection (x direction in the diagram), and each of the column directionwiring layers 207 extends along the column direction (y direction in thediagram). A plurality of the row direction wiring layers 206 arearranged at intervals in the column direction, and a plurality of thecolumn direction wiring layers 207 are arranged at intervals in the rowdirection. As illustrated in FIG. 8 , in plan view, each of the rowdirection wiring layers 206 intersects a plurality of the columndirection wiring layers 207, and each of the column direction wiringlayers 207 intersects a plurality of the row direction wiring layers206. The row direction wiring layer 206 and the column direction wiringlayer 207 are insulated by the interlayer insulating layer 204.

The interlayer insulating layer 204 includes a single-layer film of anorganic insulating film, a single-layer film of an inorganic insulatingfilm, or a multilayer film. An inorganic insulating film is excellentfor improving moisture resistance, and an organic insulating film isexcellent for improving flatness. As the inorganic insulating film, forexample, a transparent silicon-based inorganic insulating film such as asilicon oxide film, a silicon nitride film, or a silicon oxynitridefilm, or a transparent inorganic insulating film composed of a metaloxide such as alumina is used. As a material of the organic insulatingfilm, a polymer material having a main chain composed of a siliconoxide, a silicon nitride film, or a silicon oxynitride film and havingan organic substance bonded to a side chain or a functional group of themain chain, or thermosetting resin having a main chain composed ofcarbon can be used. Examples of the thermosetting resin include acrylicresin, polyimide resin, epoxy resin, novolak resin, and olefin resin.

Each of the row direction wiring layers 206 of the touch screen 250 a isconnected to a touch screen terminal portion 208 by lead-out wiringlayers R(1) to R(m). Each of the column direction wiring layers 207 isconnected to the touch screen terminal portion 208 by lead-out wiringlayers C(1) to C(n). The touch screen terminal portion 208 is providedon an end portion of the substrate 201.

The lead-out wiring layers R(1) to R(m) are arranged outside adetectable area, and extend to corresponding electrodes in order from alayer closer to the center of the arrangement of the touch screenterminal portions 208 so as to obtain a substantially shortest distance.The lead-out wiring layers R(1) to R(m) are arranged as densely aspossible while securing mutual insulation. The same applies to thelead-out wiring layers C(1) to C(n). With such arrangement, it ispossible to suppress an area of a portion outside the detectable area ofthe substrate 201.

A shield wiring layer 209 may be provided between a group of thelead-out wiring layers R(1) to R(m) and a group of the lead-out wiringlayers C(1) to C(n). In this manner, generation of noise in one of thegroups due to the influence from the other is suppressed. Further, theinfluence of electromagnetic noise generated from the display panel 300(see FIG. 2 ) on the lead-out wiring layer can be reduced. The shieldwiring layer 209 may be formed of the same material as the row directionwiring layer 206 or the column direction wiring layer 207 at the sametime.

The insulating layer 205 is provided on the substrate 201 so that thetouch screen terminal portion 208 is exposed, and covers the rowdirection wiring layer 206, the column direction wiring layer 207, andthe interlayer insulating layer 204. The insulating layer 205 can beformed of the same material as the interlayer insulating layer 204. In acase where the display panel 300 is a liquid crystal panel, an upperpolarizing plate subjected to anti-glare treatment for the liquidcrystal panel may be attached onto a portion through which light fordisplay is transmitted of the insulating layer 205.

FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating a touch screen 250 b of a capacitivesensing system as an example of the touch screen 250 (see FIG. 2 ). FIG.11 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line B1-B1 and lineB2-B2 in FIG. 10 . In the example of FIGS. 10 and 11 , what is called adiamond structure is employed.

The row direction wiring layer 206 and the column direction wiring layer207 are arranged on the same layer. Each of the column direction wiringlayers 207 has a plurality of diamond-shaped electrodes connected toeach other as the detection electrode 203. The row direction wiringlayer 206 includes, as the excitation electrode 202, a plurality ofdiamond-shaped electrodes separated from each other, and a bridge 206Belectrically connecting adjacent diamond-shaped electrodes. Theinterlayer insulating layer 204 is arranged so as to insulate the bridge206B from the column direction wiring layer 207. Note that a bridgestructure may be applied not to the row direction wiring layer but tothe column direction wiring layer. Since electrical resistance of thewiring layer tends to become high as a bridge is formed, the bridgestructure is preferably applied to a shorter one of the column directionwiring layer and the row direction wiring layer.

As a material of the row direction wiring layer 206 and the columndirection wiring layer 207, for example, a transparent conductive filmsuch as indium tin oxide (ITO) is used. Since ITO has translucency, thewiring layer is less likely to be visually recognized by the user. Sincea transparent conductive film such as ITO has a relatively high electricresistance, the transparent conductive film is suitable for applicationto a small touch screen in which wiring resistance is not a problem.Further, since a transparent conductive film such as ITO is likely tohave a wiring disconnected due to corrosion with another metal wiring,consideration for moisture resistance and waterproofness is required inorder to prevent corrosion.

Note that, although the case where the structure of the touch screen andthe structure of the display panel are independent is described above,they may be inseparably integrated. For example, in the case of what iscalled an on-cell touch panel, a touch screen is directly formed on asubstrate (typically, a color filter substrate) of the display panel 300without using the substrate 201. In a case of what is called an in-celltouch panel, a touch screen is formed between two transparent insulatingsubstrates (not illustrated) included in the display panel 300.

Further, in the above touch screen, the detection structure includingthe row direction wiring layer 206 and the column direction wiring layer207 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited tothis structure. For example, FIG. 12 is a plan view schematicallyillustrating a configuration of a touch screen 250 c having a detectionstructure in which segments each including a detection electrode and anexcitation electrode are arranged in a matrix. FIGS. 13 and 14illustrate an example of pattern shapes of an excitation electrode 202 aand a detection electrode 203 b arranged in a segment of an area A inFIG. 12 . The touch screen 250 c having a segment structure in whichsegments each including a set of the excitation electrode 202 a and thedetection electrode 203 b as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 are arrangedin a matrix and individually driven is used. Both a tactile presentationpanel 100 a and the touch panel 200 can also be used by switchingswitches in a drive circuit.

<Pressure Sensitive Sensor>

The pressure sensitive sensor 216 illustrated in FIG. 1 will bedescribed. In general, the pressure sensitive sensor 216 includes asystem of detecting a pressure applied to a diaphragm (barrier membrane)made from semiconductor silicon (Si) as deformation of a film, anelectrostatic capacitance system of detecting deformation of a displaypanel, a touch panel, or the like generated according to a pressingforce by a change in electrostatic capacitance, a resistance system ofdetecting a resistance change of a metal wire due to strain according toa pressing force, and the like.

In the case of the electrostatic capacitance system, for example, thepressure sensitive sensors 216 are installed at four symmetricalpositions on a diagonal line on a surface opposite to a display surfaceof the display panel 300. In this case, when an operation surface of thetactile presentation touch display 1 is pressed by the tactilepresentation knob 3, the tactile presentation touch display 1 is bent ina direction opposite to the operation surface by the pressing force, orthe tactile presentation touch display 1 slightly moves in a directionopposite to the operation surface. The pressure sensitive sensor 216detects the pressing force by detecting a change in electrostaticcapacitance generated as an interval between the capacitance detectionelectrodes arranged in the pressure sensitive sensor 216 becomes small.Each of the capacitance detection electrodes in the pressure sensitivesensor 216 is parallel to the operation surface of the tactilepresentation touch display 1 and is installed at an optional interval.

Even in the case of a system other than the electrostatic capacitancesystem, a shape change due to a pressing force of any of membersconstituting the tactile presentation touch display 1 is detected sothat the pressing force is detected.

Note that, in FIG. 1 , the pressure sensitive sensor 216 is arranged onthe lower side (the side opposite to the display surface) of the displaypanel 300. However, the present invention is not limited to thisconfiguration. The pressure sensitive sensor 216 is preferably arrangedat a position where reproducibility of a relationship between a shapechange and a pressing force in the structure of the tactile presentationtouch display is excellent, a shape change caused by a pressing force islarge, and the sensitivity of the pressure sensitive sensor 216 is mostexcellent. Further, the pressure sensor is not limited to the pressuresensitive sensor 216, and may be, for example, a sheet-like pressuresensor in which sensors are arranged in a matrix on a back surface ofthe display panel 300, or may be a pressure sensor of a system optimumfor detection.

<Tactile Presentation Panel>

FIG. 15 is a plan view schematically illustrating a configuration of thetactile presentation screen 150. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagramillustrating formation of the electrostatic capacitance C_(NE) betweenthe tactile electrode 102 and the tactile presentation knob 3.

As described above, the tactile presentation screen 150 includes thetransparent insulating substrate 101, the tactile electrode 102, and thedielectric layer 106. Furthermore, a tactile presentation panel terminalportion 107 is provided in an end portion of the transparent insulatingsubstrate 101, and a plurality of lead-out wiring layers 105 arearranged on the transparent insulating substrate 101. The dielectriclayer 106 is provided such that the tactile presentation panel terminalportion 107 is exposed. The tactile electrode 102 is connected to thetactile presentation panel terminal portion 107 via the lead-out wiringlayer 105. The voltage supply circuit 110 (see FIG. 2 ) is connected tothe tactile presentation panel terminal portion 107 via the FPC 108 (seeFIG. 1 ). Note that details of the lead-out wiring layer 105 will bedescribed later.

Each of the tactile electrodes 102 extends along the extending direction(longitudinal direction in FIG. 15 ). A plurality of the tactileelectrodes 102 are arranged at intervals along the arrangement direction(lateral direction in FIG. 15 ). In the example of FIG. 15 , thetransparent insulating substrate 101 has a rectangular shape having longsides and short sides. Therefore, the tactile presentation screen 150also has long sides and short sides corresponding to the transparentinsulating substrate 101. In the example of FIG. 12 , the arrangementdirection is along the long side. In a case where the horizontaldirection of the tactile presentation screen 150 as viewed by the vieweris along the long side, the arrangement direction is along thehorizontal direction.

Although the example in which the tactile electrodes 102 extend in theextending direction and are arranged along the arrangement direction onthe tactile presentation screen 150 is described above, the structure ofthe tactile electrodes 102 is not limited to this. For example, theconfiguration may be such that a plurality of segments are arranged in amatrix like the tactile presentation panel 100 a illustrated in FIG. 17. FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate an example of a pattern shape of thetactile electrodes 102 arranged in a segment of an area A in FIG. 17 .The shape of the tactile electrode 102 is not limited to the shapeillustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19 , and may be any structure in whichmutual capacitance in the same area is larger than mutual capacitancebetween electrodes in different areas in a structure in which the firstelectrode 102 a and the second electrode 102 b are adjacent to eachother. Specifically, the first electrode 102 a and the second electrode102 b in the same area are preferably arranged such that a distancebetween the first electrode 102 a and the second electrode 102 b issmaller than a distance between the first electrode 102 a and the secondelectrode 102 b different areas. In this manner, the influence ofcapacitance formed between the detection electrode 203 of the touchpanel 200 and the tactile electrode 102 on touch detection accuracy canbe suppressed, so that wiring resistance of the tactile electrode 102can be further reduced, and tactile strength can be further improved.

The larger the electrostatic capacitance C_(NE) formed between thetactile electrode 102 and the tactile presentation knob 3 is, thestronger a tactile sense can be presented. From this viewpoint, it ispreferable that the area of the tactile electrode 102 is large. In acase where priority is given to the size of the area of the tactileelectrode 102, it is difficult to make the tactile electrode 102 lesslikely to be visually recognized due to imparting of a microstructure tothe tactile electrode 102. In order to make the tactile electrode 102less likely to be visually recognized while making the area of thetactile electrode 102 large, the tactile electrode 102 may be formed ofa transparent conductive film. A typical material of the transparentconductive film is ITO. Since a transparent conductive film such as ITOhas a relatively high electric resistance as compared with metal, thetransparent conductive film is suitable for application to a small touchscreen in which wiring resistance is not a problem. When application toa large touch screen where wiring resistance is a problem is necessary,the ITO film thickness is made large or the content of a dopant isincreased to reduce the resistivity. In this case, since a lightabsorption rate of ITO may change and the touch screen may appearcolored, it may be necessary to adjust the color tone of the display.Further, since a transparent conductive film such as ITO is likely tohave a wiring disconnected due to corrosion with another metal wiring,consideration for moisture resistance and waterproofness is required inorder to prevent corrosion in a case where wiring resistance of theelectrode is lowered by a lamination structure of with other metal.

Instead of using the transparent conductive film as described above, thetactile electrode 102 may be a single layer film or a multilayer film ofmetal, or an electrode (hereinafter, also referred to as “metalfilm-containing electrode”) having a multilayer structure including anyof these and also using another conductive material. As the metal, forexample, low resistance metal such as aluminum or silver is preferable.By using the metal film-containing electrode, wiring resistance can bereduced. In contrast, a metal film, which is opaque, is easily visuallyrecognized. Therefore, in order to make the metal film less likely to bevisually recognized, a thin wire structure may be imparted to the metalfilm-containing electrode. The thin wire structure is typicallymesh-like.

The dielectric layer 106 includes a single-layer film of an organicinsulating film, a single-layer film of an inorganic insulating film, ora multilayer film. In a case of a multilayer film, different types oforganic insulating films may be laminated, or different types ofinorganic insulating films may be laminated, or an organic insulatingfilm and an inorganic insulating film may be laminated. The inorganicinsulating film has high moisture impermeability, high hardness, andhigh abrasion resistance. Since the tactile presentation knob 3 rotateson the dielectric layer 106, the dielectric layer 106 requires highabrasion resistance. The organic insulating film is preferable forobtaining high flatness, but has low hardness and low abrasionresistance. For this reason, in order to obtain both high flatness andhigh abrasion resistance, it is preferable to form the inorganicinsulating film on the organic insulating film. As the inorganicinsulating film, for example, a transparent silicon-based inorganicinsulating film such as a silicon oxide film, a silicon nitride film, ora silicon oxynitride film, or a transparent inorganic insulating filmcomposed of a metal oxide such as alumina is used. As a material of theorganic insulating film, a polymer material having a main chain composedof a silicon oxide, a silicon nitride film, or a silicon oxynitride filmand having an organic substance bonded to a side chain or a functionalgroup of the main chain, or thermosetting resin having a main chaincomposed of carbon can be used. Examples of the thermosetting resininclude acrylic resin, polyimide resin, epoxy resin, novolak resin, andolefin resin.

The electrostatic capacitance C_(NE) is represented by Equation (1)below.C _(NE) =Q/V=εS/d  (1)

Here, Q is a charge amount stored in each of a conductive elasticportion 6 and the tactile electrode 102, V is a voltage between thetactile presentation knob 3 and the tactile electrode 102, ε is adielectric constant of the dielectric layer 106, S is a contact areabetween the conductive elastic portion 6 and the tactile electrode 102via the dielectric layer 106, and d is a thickness of the dielectriclayer 106. The electrostatic capacitance C_(NE) is proportional to thedielectric constant ε and is inversely proportional to the filmthickness d.

From Equation (1) above, the dielectric constant F is preferably high inorder to make the electrostatic capacitance C_(NE) large. Specifically,the dielectric layer 106 preferably includes a film (hereinafter, alsoreferred to as a “high dielectric constant insulating film”) having arelative dielectric constant of 10 or more. In the high dielectricconstant insulating film, a state in which positive and negative chargesare displaced into a material by an electric field applied from theoutside occurs (this is generally referred to as dielectricpolarization). In the dielectric polarization, charges (generallyreferred to as polarization charges) generated by polarization aremaintained while voltage is held, and when the voltage decreases, thepolarization charges decrease and the dielectric polarization decreases,and when the applied voltage is set to zero volt, the dielectricpolarization also disappears. The direction of the dielectricpolarization can be changed by an electric field. The high dielectricconstant insulating film may be used as a single layer, or may be usedas a multilayer film by being laminated with another inorganicinsulating film or organic insulating film of a low dielectric constant,or another high dielectric constant insulating film. In general, since arefractive index is higher as a dielectric constant is higher, alamination structure of a high refractive index film and a lowrefractive index film is obtained as a high dielectric constantinsulating film and a low dielectric constant insulating film arelaminated. With this lamination structure, the dielectric layer 106 canalso function as an antireflection film.

Further, from Equation (1) above, the thickness d is preferably small inorder to make the electrostatic capacitance C_(NE) large. By laminatinga high dielectric constant insulating film and an organic insulatingfilm, the film thickness of the organic insulating film can be reducedwhile sufficient insulation is secured. In this manner, the thickness dof the dielectric layer 106 can be reduced.

Assuming that the tactile electrode has a matrix structure (that is, astructure having an X electrode and a Y electrode crossing each other)(see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.2015-097076), a step, that is, unevenness is generated at anintersection between the X electrode and the Y electrode. Thisunevenness is flattened if the thickness of the insulating layercovering the unevenness is large. However, the thickness of theinsulating layer is limited in order to avoid an excessive decrease inthe electrostatic capacitance C_(NE). For this reason, unevenness mayoccur on a front surface of the tactile presentation screen. When thetexture feeling of the unevenness is mixed with the texture feelingcaused by an electrostatic force from the tactile electrode, it isdifficult to give an intended texture feeling to the user. In a casewhere an organic insulating film having an effect of flattening asurface shape is used as the dielectric layer 106, although occurrenceof the unevenness is avoided, a large thickness is required to someextent for flattening, and a decrease in the electrostatic capacitanceC_(NE) cannot be avoided.

In contrast, according to the first embodiment, since the tactileelectrode 102 has no intersection, the size of the unevenness can besuppressed to about the thickness of the tactile electrode 102. Thismakes it possible to thin the organic film having a flattening effect orto apply a high dielectric constant insulating film having a lowflattening effect. In this manner, the electrostatic capacitance C_(NE)can be made larger than that in the case of the matrix structure.Further, since a contact surface with the tactile presentation knob 3 ofthe tactile presentation screen 150 has less unevenness, a tactile sensecaused by unevenness of a surface of the tactile presentation screen 150is not given to the tactile presentation knob 3 when a voltage signal isnot applied. For this reason, a tactile sense of the tactilepresentation knob 3 when a voltage signal is applied becomes clearer.

Further, even if the electrostatic capacitance C_(NE) is the same, ifthe tactile presentation knob 3 is slippery on the dielectric layer 106,a change in an electrostatic force between the tactile presentation knob3 and the tactile electrode 102 is easily perceived by the user as achange in a frictional force. In this manner, a larger tactile sense canbe given to the user. In order to make the tactile presentation knob 3slippery on the dielectric layer 106, it is necessary to suppressadhesion between the dielectric layer 106 and the tactile presentationknob 3. For this purpose, for example, a film having higher waterrepellency than the inside of the dielectric layer 106 may be providedon an outermost surface of the dielectric layer 106, on a contactsurface with the dielectric layer 106 of the conductive elastic portion6, or both.

<Electrode Pitch>

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram for explaining the electrostaticcapacitance C_(NE) formed between the tactile electrode 102 and thetactile presentation knob 3 in a case where the pitch P_(E) of thetactile electrode 102 is larger than a diameter R_(FE) of the tactilepresentation knob 3. FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram for explaining theelectrostatic capacitance C_(NE) formed between the tactile electrode102 and the tactile presentation knob 3 in a case where the pitch P_(E)of the tactile electrode 102 is smaller than the diameter R_(FE).

In the first embodiment, as described above, an electrostatic forcecorresponding to the amplitude modulation signal V_(N) (see FIG. 7 ) isgenerated by applying the voltage signal V_(a) (see FIG. 5 ) and thevoltage signal V_(b) (see FIG. 6 ) having different frequencies to thefirst electrode 102 a and the second electrode 102 b adjacent to eachother. In this manner, a frictional force between the dielectric layer106 and the tactile presentation knob 3 changes in accordance with abeat frequency of the amplitude modulation signal V_(N), and the userperceives this change as a tactile sense. In the state illustrated inFIG. 20 , only the voltage signal V_(a) acts on the tactile presentationknob 3, and the voltage signal V_(b) does not act on the tactilepresentation knob 3. Therefore, the amplitude modulation signal V_(N) isnot generated, and no tactile sense is generated. In contrast, in a casewhere the tactile presentation knob 3 is located above the boundarybetween the first electrode 102 a and the second electrode 102 b, atactile sense is generated. Therefore, in the configuration of FIG. 20 ,depending on the position of the tactile presentation knob 3, there area position where a tactile sense is generated and a position where notactile sense is generated. In contrast, in the state illustrated inFIG. 21 , both the voltage signal V_(a) and the voltage signal V_(b) acton the tactile presentation knob 3 regardless of the position of thetactile presentation knob 3. In this manner, the amplitude modulationsignal V_(N) is generated. Therefore, in the configuration of FIG. 21 ,a tactile sense can be felt regardless of the position of the tactilepresentation knob 3, and the position of the tactile presentation knob 3can be optionally set. That is, in order that the tactile presentationknob 3 is likely to be positioned so as to be across the first electrode102 a and the second electrode 102 b, in a case where the conductiveelastic portion 6 is divided, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 22 tobe described later, a width 6 b of the conductive elastic portion 6 ispreferably larger than the pitch P_(E) of the tactile electrodes 102.Further, in a case where the conductive elastic portion 6 is not dividedinto a plurality of portions, an outer diameter 6 a of the conductiveelastic portion 6 is preferably larger than the pitch P_(E) of thetactile electrodes 102.

<Structure of Tactile Presentation Knob>

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure of a rotationportion 4 of the tactile presentation knob 3. FIG. 23 is a schematicdiagram of a fixing portion 5 when the rotation portion 4 is placed on acontact surface of the tactile presentation panel 100 and rotated in acase where the position where the tactile presentation knob 3 is placedis fixed at one position. FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of a rotationshaft portion 5 a that suppresses horizontal movement when the rotationportion 4 of the tactile presentation knob 3 is placed on the contactsurface of the tactile presentation panel 100 and rotated. The rotationportion 4 and the fixing portion 5 (rotation shaft portion 5 a) are bothmade from metal such as aluminum, SUS, or copper, and resin such aspolyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, ABS resin, AS resin, acrylic resin,polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylidene chloride,polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, modified polyphenylene ether,polyamide, polybutylene terephthalate, polyacetal, ultrahigh molecularweight polyethylene, polyarylate, polysulfone, polyethersulfone,polyamideimide, polyetherimide, thermoplastic polyimide, polyphenylenesulfide, liquid crystalline polymer, polyetheretherketone, orfluororesin. Since an operation feeling and a tactile sense changedepending on the weight of the tactile presentation knob 3, the materialis selected according to the user's preference, a use environment of thetactile presentation knob 3, the purpose of use, and the like. Since arotation portion side surface 10 needs to be electrically connected tothe conductive elastic portion 6 and an indicator 2 (see FIG. 31 ), asurface portion 10 s in contact with the indicator 2 of the rotationportion side surface 10 and a boundary portion conductive portion 16 sare made from metal or a conductive resin material (resistance isdesirably 10³Ω or less). A resistance value of the surface portion 10 sand the boundary portion conductive portion 16 s are desirably set tosuch a value by which wiring resistance of the tactile electrode 102,resistance of the conductive elastic portion 6, and capacitance C formedbetween the tactile electrode 102 and the conductive elastic portion 6in an RC circuit formed with the dielectric layer 106 become largest.

The shape of a shaft portion 14 and the shape of a hole portion of afixing hole 9 are the same cylindrical shape. The tactile presentationknob 3 is formed by inserting the shaft portion 14 of the fixing portion5 (rotation shaft portion 5 a) into the fixing hole 9 of the rotationportion and integrating them. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 22and 23 , the rotation portion 4 and the shaft portion 14 havingunevenness may be prevented from being separated by fitting the shaftportion 14 into the fixing hole 9. A gap between the shaft portion 14and the fixing hole 9 is desirably as narrow as possible within a rangein which the rotation portion 4 smoothly turns. When the gap between theshaft portion 14 and the fixing hole 9 is narrow, a fluctuation of arotation shaft when the tactile presentation knob 3 is rotated becomessmall, and a tactile sense different from a tactile sense originallysupposed to be given to the tactile presentation knob 3, such as a shakeand vibration of the rotation portion 4 caused by the fluctuation of therotation shaft, given to the indicator 2 is suppressed, and a tactilesense imparted to the user becomes clearer. In order for the rotationportion 4 to rotate smoothly, a surface of the shaft portion 14 and asurface of an inner surface portion of the fixing hole 9 desirably haveas less unevenness as possible, and surface roughness Ra is desirably0.5 m or less. An inner diameter tolerance of the fixing hole 9 isdesirably 0 to +0.5 mm, and an outer diameter tolerance of the shaftportion 14 is desirably −0.0005 mm.

The fixing portion 5 (rotation shaft portion 5 a) serves as a rotationshaft when rotation portion 4 rotates, and serves to keep an operationsurface of the tactile presentation panel 100 and a rotation shaft ofthe rotation portion 4 perpendicular to each other. For this reason, thecenter of the shaft portion 14 of the fixing portion 5 (rotation shaftportion 5 a) is orthogonal to a bottom surface portion 15 and anadhesive portion 17 (shaft structure holding portion 17 a), a bottomsurface of the adhesive portion 17 (shaft structure holding portion 17a) is flat, and a contact surface of the conductive elastic portion 6with the tactile presentation panel 100 and the adhesive portion 17(shaft structure holding portion 17 a) are located on the same plane.Note that, although FIG. 23 illustrates the case where the diameter ofthe adhesive portion 17 and the diameter of a fixing table 13 are thesame, the diameter of the shaft structure holding portion 17 a and thediameter of the fixing table 13 may be different as illustrated in FIG.24 .

The surface portion 10 s and the boundary portion conductive portion 16s on the rotation portion side surface 10 of the rotation portion 4 withwhich the indicator 2 is in contact when the rotation portion 4 isrotated are composed of a conductive material, and are also electricallyconnected to the conductive elastic portion 6 and a position detectionunit 7. Whether or not the user is in contact with a surface of therotation portion 4 is detected, and accumulation of electric charges inthe conductive elastic portion 6 is suppressed. The surface portion 10 sand the boundary portion conductive portion 16 s are composed of thesame material as the conductive elastic portion 6. In particular, it isdesirable to use metal having low resistance, and the surface portion 10s and the boundary portion conductive portion 16 s may be formed byforming the rotation portion 4 with resin or the like and thenperforming coating with metal plating or the like. Details will bedescribed later.

The conductive elastic portion 6 is a conductor that forms electrostaticcapacitance with the tactile electrode 102. The conductive elasticportion 6 is divided into two or more portions, and prevents a decreasein tactile strength. Details of this effect will be described later.Since the conductive elastic portion 6 has elasticity, there is aneffect of suppressing a decrease in tactile strength due to a decreasein adhesion. When the adhesion between the conductive elastic portion 6and a surface of the tactile presentation panel decreases due to adecrease in flatness of a surface of the tactile presentation panel 100or minute unevenness on a surface of the tactile presentation panel 100,or the like caused by processing accuracy of the rotation portion 4 orthe fixing portion 5 (rotation shaft portion 5 a) or assembly accuracyof the tactile presentation screen 150, the tactile electrode 102 andthe conductive elastic portion 6 form electrostatic capacitance not onlyvia the dielectric layer 106 but also via air having a small dielectricconstant, and the electrostatic capacitance formed between the tactileelectrode 102 and the conductive elastic portion 6 decreases, resultingin a decrease in tactile strength. Since the conductive elastic portion6 has elasticity, it is possible to fill a gap between the dielectriclayer 106 and the conductive elastic portion 6 due to unevenness of thesurface of the tactile presentation panel 100, and to prevent a decreasein tactile strength due to a decrease in adhesion between the conductiveelastic portion 6 and the tactile presentation panel 100. A materialused for the conductive elastic portion 6 is preferably an elastic resinmaterial called conductive rubber obtained by mixing a conductivesubstance such as conductive carbon black or metal powder with CNR, CRrubber, NBR rubber, silicon, fluororubber, EPT rubber, SBR, butylrubber, acrylic rubber, or CSM rubber as a base material. Volumeresistivity only needs to be 10⁶ Ωcm or less, and as the volumeresistivity is lower, electric charges are less likely to accumulate inthe conductive elastic portion 6. Details of charge accumulation in theconductive elastic portion 6 will be described later. Further, sinceelectrostatic capacitance is formed with the tactile electrode 102, awithstand voltage characteristic is desirably as high as possiblebecause the life and reliability of the conductive elastic portion 6 areimproved. The position detection unit 7 forms electrostatic capacitancewith the detection electrode 203 of the touch screen 250, and is used todetect a position and a rotation amount of the tactile presentation knob3.

A material that forms the position detection unit 7 is a conductorcapable of forming electrostatic capacitance with the detectionelectrode 203, has elasticity similarly to the conductive elasticportion 6, and may be the same material as the conductive elasticportion 6. The better the adhesion with the tactile presentation panel100, the less a difference between a design value and an actualcapacitance value is likely to occur, and stable position detectionaccuracy can be obtained.

When the conductive elastic portion 6 and the position detection unit 7have the same thickness so as to be in close contact with a surface ofthe tactile presentation panel 100 without forming a gap between them,high tactile strength and highly accurate position detection can beobtained. A flatness (a difference between a maximum value and a minimumvalue of measured values obtained by measuring a distance from areference surface) of a surface where the conductive elastic portion 6and the position detection unit 7 are in contact with the tactilepresentation panel 100 is desirably 0.5 mm or less. Further, since adiameter of a contact area of a finger of a person with respect to atouch surface when a touch panel is operated said to be about 3 mm for achild and about 7 to 10 mm at the maximum for an adult, and a contactarea of a finger in various touch operations is generally said to be 20to 400 mm², an area of the position detection unit 7 may be consideredto be within a range of 7 mm² or more and 400 mm² or less.

<Detection of Knob Position and Rotation Amount>

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram illustrating a capacitance profile ofline C-C when the touch panel 200 performs detection at the time ofposition detection of the tactile presentation knob 3. Generation of atactile sense on the tactile presentation knob 3 and the positiondetection of the tactile presentation knob 3 are performed by timedivision. During a period in which a voltage signal is applied to thetactile electrode 102, the detection electrode 203 and the excitationelectrode 202 apply an optional voltage so as not to cause a voltagedrop on the tactile electrode 102 by forming electrostatic capacitancewith the tactile electrode 102, or 0 V. When the detection electrode 203performs position detection, the tactile electrode 102 is placed in afloating state. Then, a change amount in electrostatic capacitancebetween the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 ofwhen the conductive elastic portion 6 and the detection electrode 203form electrostatic capacitance via the tactile electrode 102 isdetected, so that the position of the tactile presentation knob 3 isdetected.

The detection electrode 203 forms electrostatic capacitance with boththe position detection unit 7 and the conductive elastic portion 6 todetect the electrostatic capacitance. At this time, since there is a gap8, an electrostatic capacitance profile with the position detection unit7 and an electrostatic capacitance profile with the conductive elasticportion 6 have peaks at different positions, and these positions aredistinguished from each other.

For a rotation amount of the tactile presentation knob 3, in a casewhere the number of the position detection units 7 is one, the rotationamount is calculated as movement only in a rotation direction from amovement amount from an initial position of the position detection unit7. The number of the position detection units 7 is not necessarily one.When a plurality of the position detection units 7 are provided asillustrated in FIG. 26 , a rotation amount θ can be calculated from adirection vector P1-P2 between the position detection units 7 at aninitial position (P1, P2) and a direction vector P1′-P2′ at a position(P1′, P2′) after movement.

In FIG. 26 , when a rotation center is P0, a translational movementamount is Txy, a coordinate transformation matrix of the rotation angleθ is R, and an identity matrix is I, P1′-P2′ is expressed by Equation(4) from Equations (2) and (3) below.P1′=R·P1−(R−I)·P0+Txy  (2)P2′=R·P2−(R−I)·P0+Txy  (3)P1′−P2′=R·(P1−P2)  (4)

Note that, in a case where the coordinate transformation matrix R isequal to the identity matrix I (R=I), translational operation isperformed, and Txy is expressed by Equation (5) below.Txy=P1′−P1  (5)

When an operation range of the tactile presentation knob 3 is set toexceed 360 degrees, a rotation angle from the initial position can becalculated by performing addition/subtraction correction of 360degrees×n (n is an integer) with reference to a rotation angle and arotation angle change direction of the position detection unit 7.Although the measurement accuracy of a rotation angle is improved as thenumber of pairs of the position detection units 7 used for calculationis larger, the area of the conductive elastic portion 6 is reduced, andthus the number of the position detection units 7 is determined based onthe balance between the tactile strength and the measurement accuracy ofa rotation angle. An indication position line 11 (see FIG. 22 )indicating an indication position of the tactile presentation knob 3 maybe arranged on the rotation portion 4 to visualize a knob position. In acase where the indication position line 11 is arranged, the positiondetection unit 7 is arranged immediately below the indication positionline 11, so that the calculation can be performed as a movement amountfrom the position (origin) at which the indication position line 11should exist in an initial state, and thus the calculation processingcan be simplified.

<Inter-Electrode Distance>

FIG. 27 illustrates an example of a positional relationship between theconductive elastic portion 6 and the position detection unit 7 in thetactile presentation knob 3. A distance between the conductive elasticportion 6 and the position detection unit 7 in a case where the positiondetection unit 7 is arranged between the conductive elastic portions 6adjacent to each other is indicated by the gap 8, and a distance betweenthe conductive elastic portions 6 in a case where the position detectionunit 7 is not arranged between the conductive elastic portions 6adjacent to each other is indicated by a gap 8 a. In a case whereunevenness caused by thickness of the electrode is present on a surfaceof the tactile presentation panel 100, when the conductive elasticportion 6 slides while being in contact with the tactile electrode 102via the dielectric layer 106, the tactile presentation knob 3 vibratesdue to the unevenness on the surface. This vibration is sensed by theindicator 2 independently of a voltage signal applied to the tactileelectrode 102. As a result, the indicator 2 may be less likely to feel atactile sense obtained by the voltage signal. In other words, thetactile strength may be decreased.

Even if there is unevenness on the surface of the tactile presentationpanel 100, whether or not the indicator 2 can easily feel the unevennessdepends on an inter-electrode interval of the tactile electrodes 102 asdescribed later. As larger unevenness is allowed, the need forincreasing the thickness of the dielectric-layer 106 to alleviate theunevenness is lowered. That is, it is allowed to reduce the thickness ofthe dielectric layer 106. This makes it possible to increase thecapacitance formed between the conductive elastic portion 6 and thetactile electrode 102. Therefore, a stronger tactile sense can begenerated. Further, if an inter-electrode distance of the tactileelectrode 102 is wider than the gap 8 between the conductive elasticportion 6 and the position detection unit 7, an edge portion 18 (seeFIG. 27 ) of the conductive elastic portion 6 is caught by theunevenness on the surface caused by the inter-electrode distance of thetactile electrode 102, and an unintended tactile sense occurs in thetactile presentation knob 3. Therefore, the inter-electrode distance ofthe tactile electrode 102 is desirably narrower than the gap 8. Further,the narrower the inter-electrode distance of the tactile electrode 102is, the larger an occupied area of the tactile electrode 102 becomes,the larger the electrostatic capacitance formed with the conductiveelastic portion 6 becomes, and the larger the obtained tactile strengthbecomes, which is desirable.

<Detailed Configuration of Tactile Presentation Touch Panel>

FIG. 28 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration ofthe tactile presentation touch panel 400. Here, it is assumed thatexcitation electrodes Ty(1) to Ty(m) are provided as a plurality of theexcitation electrodes 202, detection electrodes Tx(1) to Tx(n) areprovided as a plurality of the detection electrodes 203, and tactileelectrodes H(1) to H(j) are provided as a plurality of the tactileelectrodes 102. The tactile electrodes H(1) to H(j) are arranged inorder according to the number in parentheses, the odd-numbered tactileelectrode 102 corresponds to the first electrode 102 a, and theeven-numbered tactile electrode 102 corresponds to the second electrode102 b. Further, in order to simplify the description, it is assumed thatone of the excitation electrode 202 constitutes one of the row directionwiring layer 206 (see FIG. 8 or 10 ), and one of the detection electrode203 constitutes one of the column direction wiring layer 207 (see FIG. 8or 10 ).

As described above, the tactile presentation touch panel 400 includesthe touch panel 200 and the tactile presentation panel 100. The touchpanel 200 includes a touch screen 250 and a touch detection circuit 210.The tactile presentation panel 100 includes a tactile presentationscreen 150 and a voltage supply circuit 110.

The touch detection circuit 210 includes an excitation pulse generationcircuit 215, a charge detection circuit 212, a touch coordinatecalculation circuit 214, and a touch detection control circuit 213. Thetouch detection control circuit 213 controls operation of the excitationpulse generation circuit 215, the charge detection circuit 212, and thetouch coordinate calculation circuit 214. The excitation pulsegeneration circuit 215 sequentially applies an excitation pulse signalto the excitation electrodes Ty(1) to Ty(m). The charge detectioncircuit 212 measures a signal obtained from each of the detectionelectrodes Tx(1) to Tx(n). In this manner, the charge detection circuit212 detects a charge amount of each of the detection electrodes Tx(l) toTx(n). Information of a charge detection result indicates a valuecorresponding to mutual capacitance between the excitation electrodeTy(k) and each of the detection electrodes Tx(1) to Tx(n) when anexcitation pulse signal is applied to the excitation electrode Ty(k),where k is an integer of 1 or more and m or less. Note that the chargedetection circuit 212 can recognize to which of the excitationelectrodes Ty(1) to Ty(m) an excitation pulse signal is applied by acontrol signal from the touch detection control circuit 213. The touchcoordinate calculation circuit 214 obtains data (hereinafter, referredto as “touch coordinate data”) of coordinates touched by the indicator 2on the basis of the charge detection result.

The touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 outputs the touchcoordinate data to the knob movement amount calculation circuit 220, andalso outputs the touch coordinate data as touch operation information toa tactile sense formation condition conversion circuit 120 and a tactilepresentation control circuit 114. The knob movement amount calculationcircuit 220 outputs information on a rotation angle, a rotation speed,and a horizontal movement distance as a movement amount of the knob tothe tactile sense formation condition conversion circuit 120 and adisplay screen processing circuit 321. The tactile sense formationcondition conversion circuit 120 outputs, to the tactile presentationcontrol circuit 114, an electric signal condition for realizing thetactile strength (operation feeling strength) calculated on the basis ofthe input information. At this time, the tactile sense formationcondition conversion circuit 120 outputs, to the tactile presentationcontrol circuit 114, an electric signal condition for realizing thetactile strength according to a state of an apparatus (apparatusoperated by the tactile presentation knob 3) on which the tactilepresentation touch display 1 is mounted. As described above, the tactilesense formation condition conversion circuit 120 has a function of atactile determination unit that determines a tactile sense (firsttactile sense and second tactile sense) according to a state (firststate and second state) of an apparatus operated by the tactilepresentation knob 3. Further, the touch detection circuit 210 has afunction of a contact position detection unit that detects a contactposition between the tactile presentation knob 3 and an operationsurface of the tactile presentation panel 100. Note that the tactilepresentation panel 100 may have a function of the contact positiondetection unit. Further, the tactile sense formation conditionconversion circuit 120 may have a function of acquiring a state of anapparatus.

The voltage supply circuit 110 includes a switch circuit 112, thetactile presentation voltage generation circuit 113, and a tactilepresentation control circuit 114. The tactile presentation voltagegeneration circuit 113 applies the voltage signal V_(a) to the firstelectrode 102 a among the tactile electrodes H(1) to H(j) and appliesthe voltage signal V_(b) to the second electrode 102 b via the switchcircuit 112. In other words, the voltage signal V_(a) and the voltagesignal V_(b) are alternately applied to the tactile electrodes H(1) toH(j) arranged in one direction (lateral direction in the diagram). Theswitch circuit 112 is set to an on state or an off state on the basis ofa command from the tactile presentation voltage generation circuit 113.The switch circuit 112 connects the tactile electrode 102 to the tactilepresentation voltage generation circuit 113 in the on state, and bringsthe tactile electrode 102 into a floating state in the off state. In thefirst embodiment, the switch circuit 112 includes two switches 40, oneof which performs switching of an electrical path to all the firstelectrodes 102 a, and the other of which performs switching of anelectrical path to all the second electrodes 102 b. These two of theswitches 40 may be controlled in conjunction with each other. Note thatthe switch 40 corresponds to a switching unit.

The tactile presentation control circuit 114 refers to the informationon the tactile strength calculated by the tactile sense formationcondition conversion circuit 120. The tactile presentation controlcircuit 114 may control operation of the tactile presentation voltagegeneration circuit 113 based on this information. As described above,the voltage supply circuit 110 has a function of a tactile control unitthat performs control to present, as a tactile sense of the tactilestrength calculated by the tactile sense formation condition conversioncircuit 120, a frictional force between the tactile presentation knob 3and an operation surface of the tactile presentation panel 100 at acontact position between the tactile presentation knob 3 and theoperation surface.

<Operation of Tactile Presentation Touch Panel>

FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image of electrostaticcapacitance between the excitation electrode 202 and the detectionelectrode 203 when the indicator 2 is not in contact with the tactilepresentation knob 3. FIG. 30 is a timing chart schematicallyillustrating an operation timing of the tactile presentation touch panel400 (see FIG. 28 ) when the indicator 2 is not in contact with thetactile presentation knob 3.

When the indicator 2 is not in contact with the tactile presentationknob 3, both the conductive elastic portion 6 and the tactile electrode102 are in a floating state and at the same potential as the detectionelectrode 203, and the charge detection circuit 212 detects a chargeamount mainly from electrostatic capacitance between the detectionelectrode 203 and the excitation electrode 202. The touch detectioncontrol circuit 213 outputs a control signal of the excitation electrode202 also to the tactile presentation voltage generation circuit 113.

Based on this control signal, the tactile presentation voltagegeneration circuit 113 can recognize a touch detection period P1. In thetouch detection period P1, the tactile presentation voltage generationcircuit 113 disconnects the switch 40 of the switch circuit 112. In thismanner, electrical connections between the tactile presentation voltagegeneration circuit 113 and all the tactile electrodes 102 aredisconnected. As a result, the potential of all the tactile electrodes102 becomes in a floating state.

Next, in a touch coordinate calculation period P2, the touch coordinatecalculation circuit 214 determines whether or not there is touch by theindicator 2 on the basis of a charge detection result of mutualcapacitance corresponding to each of the excitation electrodes Ty(1) toTy(m) input from the charge detection circuit 212 and held, in otherwords, a charge detection result of capacitance of all intersectionsformed by the excitation electrodes Ty(1) to Ty(m) and the detectionelectrodes Tx(1) to Tx(n). Electric field coupling between theexcitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 is relaxed byproximity or contact of the indicator 2 such as a finger. As a result,charged charges in mutual capacitance are reduced. The touch coordinatecalculation circuit 214 can determine the presence or absence of touchbased on the degree of the reduction. In a case where touch isdetermined to be present, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214starts calculation of the touch coordinate data on the basis of thecharge detection result. Specifically, the touch coordinate calculationcircuit 214 can calculate the touch coordinate data by performingarithmetic processing such as gravity center calculation, for example,on a detection result of an intersection where the degree of reductionin charged charges is largest and an intersection around theintersection. In a case of determining that there is no touch, the touchcoordinate calculation circuit 214 does not calculate the touchcoordinate data, and waits until processing of a charge detection resultperformed next.

Here, description will be made below on operation in a case where adetermination result indicating presence of contact of the indicator 2with the tactile presentation knob 3 is obtained.

FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image of electrostaticcapacitance between the excitation electrode 202 and the positiondetection unit 7 when the indicator 2 is in contact with the tactilepresentation knob 3. FIG. 32 is a timing chart schematicallyillustrating an operation timing of the tactile presentation touch panel400 (see FIG. 28 ) when the indicator 2 is in contact with the tactilepresentation knob 3.

In a case where the indicator 2 is in contact with the tactilepresentation knob 3, the conductive elastic portion 6 is in a state ofbeing grounded via the tactile presentation knob 3 and the indicator 2,the detection electrode 203 forms electrostatic capacitance with theconductive elastic portion 6 via the tactile electrode 102, andelectrostatic capacitance between the detection electrode 203 and theexcitation electrode 202 decreases. As a result, a charge amountdetected by the charge detection circuit 212 decreases, and it isdetected that the indicator 2 comes into contact with the tactilepresentation knob 3.

In the touch detection period P1, a control signal indicating a firstconversion timing is output from the touch detection control circuit 213to the excitation pulse generation circuit 215. Upon receiving thiscontrol signal, the excitation pulse generation circuit 215 gives anexcitation pulse signal (charge pulse signal) to the excitationelectrode Ty(1). In this manner, inter-electrode capacitance (mutualcapacitance) between the excitation electrode Ty(1) and each of thedetection electrodes Tx(1) to Tx(n) intersecting with the excitationelectrode Ty(1) in plan view is charged. The charge detection circuit212 detects a charge amount by the charging using the detectionelectrodes Tx(1) to Tx(n). Then, the charge detection circuit 212performs analog/digital conversion (A/D conversion) on the detectionresult, and outputs digital information obtained by the analog/digitalconversion to the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 as a chargedetection result of mutual capacitance corresponding to the excitationelectrode Ty(1). Similarly, control signals indicating second to m-thconversion timings are sequentially output from the touch detectioncontrol circuit 213 to the excitation pulse generation circuit 215. In amanner corresponding to each of the second to m-th conversion timings,charge detection results of mutual capacitances corresponding to theexcitation electrodes Ty(2) to Ty(m) are output to the touch coordinatecalculation circuit 214.

The touch detection control circuit 213 also outputs the control signalto the tactile presentation voltage generation circuit 113. Based onthis control signal, the tactile presentation voltage generation circuit113 can recognize a touch detection period P1. In the touch detectionperiod P1, the tactile presentation voltage generation circuit 113disconnects the switch 40 of the switch circuit 112. In this manner,electrical connections between the tactile presentation voltagegeneration circuit 113 and all the tactile electrodes 102 aredisconnected. As a result, the potential of all the tactile electrodes102 becomes in a floating state.

Next, in a touch coordinate calculation period P2, the touch coordinatecalculation circuit 214 determines whether or not there is touch by theindicator 2 on the basis of a charge detection result of mutualcapacitance corresponding to each of the excitation electrodes Ty(1) toTy(m) input from the charge detection circuit 212 and held, in otherwords, a charge detection result of capacitance of all intersectionsformed by the excitation electrodes Ty(1) to Ty(m) and the detectionelectrodes Tx(1) to Tx(n). Electric field coupling between theexcitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 is relaxed byproximity or contact of the indicator 2 such as a finger. As a result,charged charges in mutual capacitance are reduced. The touch coordinatecalculation circuit 214 can determine the presence or absence of touchbased on the degree of the reduction. In a case where touch isdetermined to be present, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214starts calculation of the touch coordinate data on the basis of thecharge detection result. Specifically, the touch coordinate calculationcircuit 214 can calculate the touch coordinate data by performingarithmetic processing such as gravity center calculation, for example,on a detection result of an intersection where the degree of reductionin charged charges is largest and an intersection around theintersection. When determining that there is no touch, the touchcoordinate calculation circuit 214 does not calculate the touchcoordinate data, and the processing returns to the touch detectionperiod P1. In order to enable such processing, the touch coordinatecalculation circuit 214 gives, to the touch detection control circuit213, a signal indicating a determination result as to the presence orabsence of touch.

Next, in a touch coordinate transmission period P3, according to a touchcoordinate data transmission timing from the touch detection controlcircuit 213, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 outputs thetouch coordinate data to the knob movement amount calculation circuit220, and also outputs the touch coordinate data as the touch operationinformation to the tactile sense formation condition conversion circuit120 and the tactile presentation control circuit 114.

Next, in a determination period P4, the tactile presentation controlcircuit 114 determines the position of the tactile presentation knob 3from the touch coordinate data, and determines an area where a tactilesense is presented.

The tactile presentation control circuit 114 selects a tactilepresentation signal waveform corresponding to coordinates of a displayscreen and the tactile presentation knob 3 based on input from thetactile sense formation condition conversion circuit 120. The “tactilepresentation signal waveform” defines a waveform of the voltage signalV_(a) and the voltage signal V_(b). Note that a difference in waveformbetween the voltage signal V_(a) and the voltage signal V_(b) istypically a difference in frequency. The tactile presentation signalwaveform is set inside or outside the tactile presentation controlcircuit 114. The number of types of the tactile presentation signalwaveforms may be one or more than one. In a case where there is only onetype of the tactile presentation signal waveform, processing ofselecting the tactile presentation signal waveform is not necessary. Ina case where there is more than one type of the tactile presentationsignal waveform, a type of the tactile presentation signal waveform isselected on the basis of input from the tactile sense formationcondition conversion circuit 120.

Next, in a tactile presentation signal application period P5, thetactile presentation control circuit 114 generates a tactilepresentation signal with the tactile presentation signal waveform.Further, the switch 40 connected to the tactile electrode 102 in aregion where the tactile presentation signal is input of the switchcircuit 112 is connected to the tactile presentation voltage generationcircuit 113, and the switch 40 connected to the tactile electrode 102 ina region where the tactile presentation signal is not input is connectedto GND, or the tactile electrode 102 is left floating without turning onthe switch. In this manner, a signal is applied to the tactile electrode102, and a tactile sense is presented. In the example of FIG. 32 , an ACsignal having the H level (high level) and the L level (low level) isapplied to the tactile electrode 102. The tactile electrode 102 ischarged at a high voltage of the positive electrode, typically plus tensof volts, in a period of the H level, discharged in a period of a zerolevel, and charged at a high voltage of the negative electrode,typically minus tens of volts, at the L level. A generation cycle and ageneration period of a pulse signal may be appropriately set on thebasis of input from the tactile sense formation condition conversioncircuit 120.

After the tactile presentation signal application period P5, theprocessing returns to the touch detection period P1. By the above, theabove-described operation is repeated. In this manner, the tactilepresentation touch panel 400 can perform the position detection of thetactile presentation knob 3 and the tactile presentation according tothe position of the tactile presentation knob 3 and a display screen.

FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram illustrating formation of electrostaticcapacitance in the tactile presentation touch display 1 in the touchdetection period P1 (see FIG. 32 ). In the touch detection period P1,electrostatic capacitance C_(ND) is formed between the indicator 2 andthe detection electrode 203. During this period, the potential of allthe tactile electrodes 102 is in a floating state. This prevents thetactile electrode 102 from functioning as a shield. Therefore, thesensitivity of touch detection can be enhanced.

FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram illustrating formation of electrostaticcapacitance in the tactile presentation touch display 1 in the tactilepresentation signal application period P5 (see FIG. 32 ). In the tactilepresentation signal application period P5, potential of the excitationelectrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 of the touch panel 200 maybe in a floating state. In this manner, it is possible to suppress theinfluence of the capacitance formation by the excitation electrode 202and the detection electrode 203 on the electrostatic capacitance C_(NE).Alternatively, the potential of the excitation electrode 202 and thedetection electrode 203 of the touch panel 200 may be substantiallyconstant potential, and for example, the excitation electrode 202 andthe detection electrode 203 may be connected to ground potential withlow impedance. In this manner, the excitation electrode 202 and thedetection electrode 203 can function as a shield between the tactileelectrode 102 and the display panel 300. Therefore, generation of noisein the display panel 300 due to a high voltage signal applied to thetactile electrode 102 is suppressed. Therefore, display defects due tonoise can be prevented. Conversely, generation of noise in the tactileelectrode 102 due to the display panel 300 is suppressed. When a tactilepresentation signal is applied to the tactile electrode 102, theconductive elastic portion 6 forms electrostatic capacitance with thetactile electrode 102, and charges having potential opposite to voltageof the tactile electrode 102 are accumulated on a surface in contactwith the dielectric layer 106 of the conductive elastic portion 6, andan electrostatic force is generated between the conductive elasticportion 6 and the dielectric layer 106. As a result, a frictional forcebetween the conductive elastic portion 6 and the dielectric layer 106changes, and torque of the knob changes when the tactile presentationknob 3 is rotated due to the change in the frictional force, which isfelt as an operation feeling when the tactile presentation knob 3 isrotated.

Note that, in a case where a floating state is used, both the excitationelectrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 may be in the floatingstate, or one of them may be in the floating state. Further, in a casewhere constant potential is used, both the excitation electrode 202 andthe detection electrode 203 may be set to the constant potential, or oneof them may be set to the constant potential. The configuration may besuch that one of the excitation electrode 202 and the detectionelectrode 203 is set to be in a floating state, and the other is set atthe constant potential. When distances between the excitation electrode202 and the detection electrode 203 and the tactile electrode 102 aredifferent, one of the excitation electrode 202 and the detectionelectrode 203 that is closer to the tactile electrode 102 may be in thefloating state, and the other that is farther may be in the constantpotential.

Note that, in the example illustrated in FIG. 28 , the touch coordinatedata is sent from the touch detection circuit 210 to the voltage supplycircuit 110. However, as a variation, information on a charge detectionresult may be sent from the charge detection circuit 212 to the voltagesupply circuit 110. In this case, the tactile presentation controlcircuit 114 performs determination of the presence or absence of touchand calculation of touch coordinates by using the information on acharge detection result.

In a case where the position where the tactile presentation knob 3 isplaced on the tactile presentation panel 100 is changed during operationor for each operation, the bottom surface portion 15 may have a surfaceadhered and fixed onto the tactile presentation panel 100. Further, in acase where the position where the tactile presentation knob 3 is placedon the tactile presentation panel 100 is not changed during operation orfor each operation (in a case where the position of the tactilepresentation knob 3 is fixed and used), the bottom surface portion 15may be bonded and fixed onto the tactile presentation panel 100 by anadhesive portion 17.

<Suppression of Charge Accumulation in Conductive Elastic Portion>

FIG. 35 is an image diagram schematically illustrating movement ofcharges accumulated in the conductive elastic portion 6 when the chargesare grounded via the indicator 2 at the time of voltage signalapplication. FIG. 36 is an image diagram schematically illustratingmovement of charges accumulated in the conductive elastic portion 6 whena part of the tactile electrodes 102 with which the tactile presentationknob 3 is in contact via the dielectric layer 106 is connected to theground at the time of voltage signal application. The conductive elasticportion 6, which is formed by mixing conductive carbon black or metalparticles with insulating resin, has relatively high resistance andeasily accumulates electric charges. When charges are accumulated in theconductive elastic portion 6, an electrostatic force between theconductive elastic portion 6 and the tactile electrode 102 does notchange due to a voltage signal, and the tactile strength decreases. Whenthe conductive elastic portion 6 and a surface of the rotation portion 4are electrically connected to each other, the indicator 2 is connectedto the ground via the indicator 2 when the indicator 2 comes intocontact with the rotation portion 4. In this manner, electric chargesaccumulated in the conductive elastic portion 6 are released, andaccumulation of electric charges can be suppressed.

In a case where resistance of the conductive elastic portion 6 is high,charges hardly move in the conductive elastic portion 6, and chargescannot be sufficiently released only by releasing the charges via theindicator 2 as described above. In that case, the tactile electrode 102is driven so that at least one of the conductive elastic portions 6divided into two or more when a voltage signal is applied formselectrostatic capacitance with the tactile electrode 102, and at leastone is connected via the dielectric layer 106 to the tactile electrode102 connected to a charge discharge portion 115 (see FIG. 37 to bedescribed later) which is connected to the ground. In this manner,charges accumulated in the conductive elastic portion 6 are directlyreleased to the tactile electrode 102 via the dielectric layer 106, sothat accumulation of charges is prevented. The tactile electrode 102connected to the charge discharge portion 115 does not need to be fixed,and application of a voltage signal and connection to the chargedischarge portion 115 may be switched and driven in the same tactileelectrode 102, or the tactile electrode 102 to which a voltage signal isapplied and the tactile electrode 102 connected to the charge dischargeportion 115 may be alternately arranged. However, no electrostatic forceis generated in the tactile electrode 102 connected to the chargedischarge portion 115. Therefore, in order to prevent a decrease in atactile sense, the number of the tactile electrodes 102 to which avoltage signal is applied is made larger than the number of the tactileelectrodes 102 connected to the charge discharge portion 115, or timefor connecting to the charge discharge portion 115 is made shorter thantime for applying a voltage signal. In this manner, an effective area ofthe conductive elastic portion 6 that generates an electrostatic forcewith the tactile electrode 102 is preferably made larger than aneffective area of the conductive elastic portion 6 that formscapacitance with the charge discharge portion 115.

FIG. 37 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration in a case wherethe tactile electrode 102 is driven such that at least one of theconductive elastic portions 6 divided into two or more as in FIG. 36forms electrostatic capacitance with the tactile electrode 102, and atleast one is connected to the tactile electrode 102 connected to theground via the dielectric layer 106. In the determination period P4 (seeFIG. 32 ), the tactile presentation control circuit 114 determines theposition where the tactile presentation knob 3 is placed from the touchcoordinate data, determines an area where a tactile sense is presented,divides the area into two or more areas, and determines an area where atactile presentation signal is input and an area connected to GND.

The tactile presentation control circuit 114 selects a tactilepresentation signal waveform corresponding to coordinates of a displayscreen and the tactile presentation knob 3 based on input from thetactile sense formation condition conversion circuit 120. The “tactilepresentation signal waveform” defines a waveform of the voltage signalV_(a) and the voltage signal V_(b). Note that a difference in waveformbetween the voltage signal V_(a) and the voltage signal V_(b) istypically a difference in frequency. The tactile presentation signalwaveform is set inside or outside the tactile presentation controlcircuit 114. The number of types of the tactile presentation signalwaveforms may be one or more than one. In a case where there is only onetype of the tactile presentation signal waveform, processing ofselecting the tactile presentation signal waveform is not necessary. Ina case where there is more than one type of the tactile presentationsignal waveform, a type of the tactile presentation signal waveform isselected on the basis of input from the tactile sense formationcondition conversion circuit 120.

Next, in the tactile presentation signal application period P5 (see FIG.32 ), the tactile presentation control circuit 114 generates a tactilepresentation signal with the tactile presentation signal waveform.Further, the switch 40 connected to the tactile electrode 102 in aregion where the tactile presentation signal is input of the switchcircuit 112 is connected to the tactile presentation voltage generationcircuit 113, and the switch 40 connected to the tactile electrode 102 ina region connected to GND is connected to GND. The switch 40, which isconnected to the tactile electrode 102 in a region where no tactilepresentation signal is input, is connected to GND, or the tactileelectrode 102 is kept floating without the switch 40 is switched on. Inthis manner, a signal is applied to the tactile electrode 102, and atactile sense is presented. In the example of FIG. 24 , an AC signalhaving an H level (high level) and an L level (low level) is applied tothe tactile electrode 102. The tactile electrode 102 is charged at ahigh voltage of the positive electrode, typically plus tens of volts, ina period of the H level, discharged in a period of a zero level, andcharged at a high voltage of the negative electrode, typically minustens of volts, at the L level. A generation cycle and a generationperiod of a pulse signal may be appropriately set on the basis of inputfrom the tactile sense formation condition conversion circuit 120.

After the tactile presentation signal application period P5, theprocessing returns to the touch detection period P1. By the above, theabove-described operation is repeated. In this manner, the tactilepresentation touch panel 400 can perform the position detection of thetactile presentation knob 3 and the tactile presentation according tothe position of the tactile presentation knob 3 and a display screen.

Note that, in the first embodiment, a GND terminal is used as the chargedischarge portion 115. However, other configurations may be used as longas electric charges accumulated in the conductive elastic portion 6 canbe discharged. For example, positive voltage or negative voltage forefficiently discharging charges may be applied instead of a GND terminalaccording to the conduction degree of electric charges accumulated inthe conductive elastic portion 6.

In the present disclosure, in the tactile presentation signalapplication period P5, a waveform of a voltage signal, time and a cycleduring and at which the voltage signal is applied are changed to changea frictional force during rotation operation of the tactile presentationknob 3. In this manner, an operation feeling that has not been able tobe presented by the conventional tactile presentation knob is presentedto the user. A specific example of these will be described later.

<Difference between Electrode Structure of Tactile Presentation Screenand Electrode Structure of Touch Screen>

As a preferable condition of the tactile electrode 102, firstly, aconfiguration in which the indicator 2 can be in contact with thetactile electrode 102 without a member other than the dielectric layer106 interposed between them is desired. Therefore, the tactile electrode102 covered with the dielectric layer 106 is preferably arranged on anoutermost surface of the tactile presentation touch panel 400.

Secondly, the shorter a distance between the indicator 2 and the tactileelectrode 102, the larger a tactile sense can be generated. From thisviewpoint, the thickness of the dielectric layer 106 is preferablysmall, and the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer 106 ispreferably large.

Thirdly, it is desirable that the tactile electrodes 102 densely existin order to make the electrostatic capacitance C_(NE) (see FIG. 34 )large at the time of generation of a tactile sense, while it ispreferable that capacitance C_(E) between the tactile electrodes 102,that is, inter-electrode capacitance be small at the time of detectionof a touch position (see FIG. 32 ) so that the formation of thecapacitance C_(ND) is not hindered.

In a case where the tactile presentation touch panel 400 is larger insize than the tactile presentation knob 3, and an area where the tactilepresentation knob 3 is not placed is used as a touch panel that does notpresent a tactile sense, when the indicator 2 is not in contact with thetactile presentation knob 3, an operation timing (see FIG. 30 ) of whenthe indicator 2 is not in contact with the tactile presentation knob 3is repeated for an entire surface of the tactile presentation touchpanel 400. When touch is detected in an area used as a touch panel thatdoes not perform tactile presentation, a touch position is calculatedand output. When the indicator 2 comes into contact with the tactilepresentation knob 3, touch detection is stopped in an area where thetactile presentation knob 3 is not placed, and operation is performed atan operation timing when the indicator 2 comes into contact with thetactile presentation knob 3 as described above (see FIG. 32 ) only in anarea where the tactile presentation knob 3 is placed.

In a case where an area where the tactile presentation knob 3 is notplaced is used as a touch panel that presents a tactile sense, when theindicator 2 is not in contact with the tactile presentation knob 3, anoperation timing (see FIG. 30 ) of when the indicator 2 is not incontact with the tactile presentation knob 3 is repeated for an entiresurface of the tactile presentation touch panel 400. When touchdetection is performed on an area used as a touch panel that performstactile presentation, operation is performed at an operation timing ofwhen the indicator 2 is in contact with the tactile presentation knob 3as described above (see FIG. 32 ). When the indicator 2 comes intocontact with the tactile presentation knob 3, touch detection is stoppedin an area where the tactile presentation knob 3 is not placed, andoperation is performed at an operation timing when the indicator 2 comesinto contact with the tactile presentation knob 3 as described above(see FIG. 32 ) only in an area where the tactile presentation knob 3 isplaced.

As a preferable condition of the excitation electrode 202 and thedetection electrode 203, firstly, in order to ensure sensitivity andlinearity of touch position detection, a matrix structure by which atouch position can be identified accurately is required. Secondly, sincethe indicator 2 and the detection electrode 203 detect the touchposition by the electrostatic capacitance C_(ND) formed through thetactile presentation screen 150, it is necessary to provide apredetermined distance (several hundred μm or more and several mm orless) between the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode203 so that an electric field spreads in the lateral direction.

As described above, there is a difference between a preferable conditionof the tactile electrode 102 and a preferable condition of theexcitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203. In order tooptimize both conditions, it is not desirable to apply similarstructures to them.

<Details of Lead-Out Wiring Layer>

The lead-out wiring layers 105 (FIG. 15 ) of the tactile presentationscreen 150 specifically include lead-out wiring layers Ld(1) to Ld(j)and lead-out wiring layers Lu(l) to Lu(j). Assuming that an integer ofany of numbers 1 to j is k, each of the lead-out wiring layers Ld(k) andLu(k) is connected to the k-th tactile electrode 102. Each of thelead-out wiring layers Ld(k) and Lu(k) is connected to a first end and asecond end in an extending direction of one of the tactile electrode102.

Wiring resistance of each of the tactile electrodes 102 provided on thetactile presentation screen 150 is desirably high resistance from theviewpoint of not hindering touch detection by the touch screen 250, andis desirably, for example, 104Ω or more. In a case where wiringresistance is high as described above, propagation delay of a voltagesignal in a wiring layer is likely to occur. As described above, thelead-out wiring layer 105 is connected to each of the first end and thesecond end of the tactile electrode 102, so that propagation delay canbe suppressed.

The lead-out wiring layers Ld(1) to Ld(j) are arranged outside thetactile presentable area, and extend to corresponding electrodes inorder from one closer to the center of an array of the tactilepresentation panel terminal portions 107 so that a substantiallyshortest distance from the tactile presentation panel terminal portions107 can be obtained. The tactile presentation panel terminal portion 107is arranged in the vicinity of the center of a long side of thetransparent insulating substrate 101 along the long side. The lead-outwiring layers Ld(1) to Ld(j) are arranged as densely as possible whilesecuring mutual insulation. The lead-out wiring layers Lu(1) to Lu(j)are similarly arranged outside a region occupied by the lead-out wiringlayers Ld(1) to Ld(j). With such arrangement, it is possible to suppressan area of a portion outside the tactile presentable area of thetransparent insulating substrate 101.

The lead-out wiring layers 105, specifically, the lead-out wiring layersLd(1) to Ld(j) and the lead-out wiring layers Lu(1) to Lu(j) arepreferably composed of either a metal single-layer film or a laminatedfilm of a metal single-layer and a non-metal single-layer. In a casewhere the laminated film has a lower layer and an upper layer coveringthe lower layer, the upper layer may have a function as a protectivelayer of the lower layer. For example, the upper layer as a protectivelayer may protect the lower layer from an etchant in an etching processused to manufacture the tactile presentation screen 150. Alternatively,the upper layer may function as a cap layer that prevents corrosion ofthe lower layer during manufacture or use of the tactile presentationscreen 150. When a material of the lower layer is a material having moreexcellent adhesion to the transparent insulating substrate 101 than amaterial of the upper layer, the occurrence of peeling of the lead-outwiring layer 105 can be suppressed.

<Presentation of Tactile Sense according to State of Apparatus>

FIG. 38 is a view illustrating an example in which an upper limit and alower limit are set in an operation region of the tactile presentationknob 3. The user can rotate the tactile presentation knob 3. Asillustrated in FIG. 38 , an operation region b indicates a region whererotation operation of the tactile presentation knob 3 is possible. Anoperation lower limit position a indicates a lower limit position of theoperation region b. An operation upper limit position c indicates anupper limit position of the operation region b. A non-operation region dindicates a region where rotation operation of the tactile presentationknob 3 is not possible. An indication position 50 indicates anindication position of the tactile presentation knob 3.

FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of awaveform of a voltage signal applied when the indication position 50 ofthe tactile presentation knob 3 is present at each of the operationlower limit position a, the operation region b, and the operation upperlimit position c. Specifically, while the indication position 50 is atthe operation lower limit position a, a voltage signal s1 is applied.Then, while the indication position 50 rotates from the operation lowerlimit position a toward the operation upper limit position c in theoperation region b, a voltage signal s2 is applied. After that, whilethe indication position 50 is at the operation upper limit position c, avoltage signal s3 is applied.

As described above, by applying a voltage signal for presenting a presettactile sense to the indication position 50 of the tactile presentationknob 3 detected by the touch panel 200, a frictional force between thetactile presentation knob 3 and the tactile presentation panel 100 ischanged to present a tactile sense to the tactile presentation knob 3.The voltage signal s1, the voltage signal s3, and the voltage signal s2differ from each other in magnitude of a frictional force generatedbetween the tactile presentation knob 3 and the tactile presentationpanel 100, and in a cycle and time in which the frictional force isgenerated. Therefore, the indicator 2 perceives that a state in whichthe voltage signal s1 and the voltage signal s3 are applied and a statein which the voltage signal s2 is applied are different states based ona tactile sense presented according to a change in the frictional force.Note that the voltage signal s1, the voltage signal s2, and the voltagesignal s3 may be voltage signals having different amplitudes. Further,the voltage signal s1 and the voltage signal s3 may be voltage signalshaving the same waveform.

The voltage signal s1 and the voltage signal s3 are voltage signals thatcause an adsorption phenomenon due to a strong frictional force betweenthe tactile presentation knob 3 and the tactile presentation panel 100.The voltage signal s2 is a frictional force weaker than the voltagesignal s1 and the voltage signal s3, and presents a tactile sense suchas an operational feeling that the tactile presentation knob 3 smoothlyslides, a vibration feeling climbing over fine unevenness, a climbingfeeling of climbing over a rounded projection, and a separation feelingof climbing over a high projection.

While the indication position 50 of the tactile presentation knob 3 ispresent at the operation lower limit position a, the voltage signal s1is continuously applied, and movement of the tactile presentation knob 3is stopped so that the indication position 50 of the tactilepresentation knob 3 does not enter the non-operation region d beyond theposition of the operation lower limit position a. While the indicationposition 50 of the tactile presentation knob 3 moves toward theoperation upper limit position c in the operation region b, the voltagesignal s2 is applied. While the indication position 50 of the tactilepresentation knob is present at the operation upper limit position c,the voltage signal s3 is continuously applied, and movement of thetactile presentation knob 3 is stopped so that the indication position50 of the tactile presentation knob 3 does not enter the non-operationregion d beyond the position of the operation upper limit position c.While the indication position 50 of the tactile presentation knob movestoward the operation lower limit position a in the operation region b,the voltage signal s2 is applied.

Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 40 , a cycle (T_(fq)) of a voltagesignal may be changed in accordance with a cycle of a frictional forcedesired to be presented to the tactile presentation knob 3. In time(T_(on)) in which the voltage signal is applied, a frictional forcebased on a waveform of the voltage signal is generated between thetactile presentation knob 3 and the tactile presentation panel 100, andin time (T_(off)) in which the voltage signal is not applied, nofrictional force is generated. As described above, when a period inwhich a frictional force is generated and a period in which a frictionalforce is not generated are periodically repeated, the rotation of thetactile presentation knob 3 repeats catching and sliding due to africtional force, and the indicator 2 in contact with the tactilepresentation knob 3 perceives a tactile sense generated by operation ofthe tactile presentation knob 3. When it is desired to present a lowconvex feeling, the time (T_(on)) in which a voltage signal is appliedis made preferably shorter than the time (T_(off)) in which no voltagesignal is applied. Further, when it is desired to present a high convexfeeling with a high convex portion, the time (T_(on)) in which a voltagesignal is applied is made preferably longer than the time (T_(off)) inwhich no voltage signal is applied.

Note that a waveform of a voltage signal to be applied may be a pulsewave, a sine wave, a rectangular wave, or the like, and may be only apositive voltage, only a negative voltage, or positive and negativevoltages. In the case of a pulse wave and a rectangular wave, forexample, in a case where the waveform of FIG. 40 is applied to a tactileelectrode 102 a, an opposite-phase voltage signal only needs to beapplied to an adjacent tactile electrode 102 b. Further, in the case ofa sine wave, different frequencies only need to be applied to thetactile electrode 102 a and the tactile electrode 102 b so that a beatwaveform generated from two types of voltage signals becomes thewaveform of FIG. 40 . If the waveform of the voltage signal is, forexample, a sine wave having an amplitude of positive and negativevoltages around 0 V or a waveform obtained by combining positive andnegative voltages such as a pulse wave, there is an effect of preventingelectric charges from accumulating in the dielectric layer 106 and theconductive elastic portion 6 and weakening a tactile sense presented tothe tactile presentation knob 3, and there is an effect of stabilizingtactile presentation. An amplitude of the voltage signal may be changedaccording to the strength of a tactile sense to be presented, and awaveform having a steep rise of the waveform may be used when a sharpunevenness feeling is desired to be exhibited, and a waveform having agentle rise of the waveform may be used when a rounded unevennessfeeling is desired to be exhibited.

By controlling a voltage signal as described above, rotation operationof the tactile presentation knob 3 can be performed within a range fromthe operation lower limit position a to the operation upper limitposition c via the operation region b.

In the first embodiment, different frictional forces are presented tothe tactile presentation knob 3 depending on a state of an apparatus onwhich tactile presentation touch display 1 is mounted. Hereinafter, aspecific example of the configuration of a waveform of a voltage signalillustrated in FIG. 39 will be described.

FIG. 41 illustrates a waveform of a voltage signal V applied when theindication position 50 of the tactile presentation knob 3 is present ateach of the operation lower limit position a, the operation region b,and the operation upper limit position c. FIG. 42 illustrates africtional force F generated between the tactile presentation knob 3 andthe tactile presentation panel 100 when the voltage signal illustratedin FIG. 41 is applied. The same applies to FIGS. 43 to 54 describedbelow.

FIGS. 41, 42, 45, 46, 49, 50, 53, and 54 illustrate specific examples ofa waveform of a voltage signal presented to the tactile presentationknob 3 when an apparatus is in an operation state. FIGS. 43, 44, 47, 48,51, and 52 illustrate specific examples of a waveform of a voltagesignal presented to the tactile presentation knob 3 when an apparatus isin a stopped state. When an apparatus is in the operation state,vibration or the like of the apparatus may cause erroneous operation ofthe tactile presentation knob 3, or vibration or noise of the apparatusmay reduce tactile sensitivity of the user.

Therefore, when the apparatus is in the operation state, a voltagesignal is applied to the operation region b where the indicationposition 50 of the tactile presentation knob 3 is present, the voltagesignal generating a frictional force that allows the user to feel slighttorque during the operation, so that unintended erroneous operation dueto shaking of the user's body or the like is prevented. In contrast,when the apparatus is in a stopped state, there is little vibration,noise, or the like of the apparatus as in the operation state, and thereis a low possibility of erroneous operation or reduction in tactilesensitivity of the user. Therefore, no voltage signal is applied to theoperation region b where the indication position 50 of the tactilepresentation knob 3 is present, and a light and comfortable operationfeeling that the user does not feel torque is presented.

As illustrated in FIGS. 45 and 46 , in a case where the positive andnegative of voltage signals applied to the operation lower limitposition a and the operation upper limit position c are the same, it isdesirable that the positive and negative of a voltage signal applied tothe operation region b have the polarity opposite to that of the voltagesignals applied to the operation lower limit position a and theoperation upper limit position c because it is easy to perceive adifference in frictional force between the operation lower limitposition a and the operation region b and between the operation upperlimit position c and the operation region b.

As illustrated in FIGS. 47 and 48 , in a case where signal voltages withthe positive and negative opposite to each other are applied to theoperation lower limit position a and the operation upper limit positionc when the apparatus is in the stopped state, as illustrated in FIGS. 49and 50 when the apparatus is in the operation state, it is also possibleto increase a voltage difference between the operation lower limitposition a and the operation region b and between the operation upperlimit position c and the operation region b by switching the polarity ofthe voltage signal applied to the operation region b during operation.

As illustrated in FIGS. 51 and 52 , in a case where pulse waves thathave positive and negative amplitudes are applied to the operation lowerlimit position a and the operation upper limit position c when theapparatus is in the stopped state, a voltage signal having an amplitudesmaller than that applied to the operation lower limit position a andthe operation upper limit position c may be applied to the operationregion b when the apparatus is in the operation state as illustrated inFIGS. 53 and 54 . In a case of a waveform of a voltage signal that haspositive and negative amplitudes, time during which the voltage signalis applied is twice as long as compared with a waveform of a signal thathas an amplitude only with the polarity of one side, so that a generatedfrictional force is also twice as large. Therefore, a frictional forcecan be generated at a lower voltage than in the case of applying avoltage signal that has an amplitude only with the polarity of one side,so that there is an effect of reducing power consumption.

As illustrated in FIG. 55 , for example, the tactile presentation touchdisplay 1 described above can be mounted on a center display in anautomobile or an operation panel provided around the center display.

Note that, in the first embodiment, the case where a pulse wave is usedas a voltage signal is described as an example. However, the waveform ofa voltage signal is not limited to this, and a sine wave or arectangular wave may be used. For the waveforms, voltages, andfrequencies of voltage signals used for the voltage signal s1 and thevoltage signal s3, a condition by which a sufficient frictional forcethat prevents the tactile presentation knob 3 from rotating is selectedbased on a constituent material of the tactile presentation knob 3 andthe tactile presentation panel 100, capacity design of each element, andRC circuit design. Depending on a design condition, the center of awaveform of a voltage signal does not need to be 0 V, and an optimumvalue for design may be set.

<Effect>

According to the first embodiment, by changing a frictional forcegenerated between an operation surface of the tactile presentation panel100 and the tactile presentation knob 3, torque at the time of operatingthe tactile presentation knob 3 is changed, and it is possible toprovide an operation feeling of a dial knob that allows intuitiveoperation by a tactile sense of the user and is user-friendly. Further,by changing a tactile sense in an operation region according to anoperation state of the apparatus on which the tactile presentation touchdisplay 1 is mounted, the operation state or the stopped state of theapparatus can be presented to the user with an operational feeling ofthe tactile presentation knob 3. Therefore, when the apparatus is in theoperation state, erroneous operation by the user due to vibration of theapparatus or the like can be prevented, and when the apparatus is in thestopped state, a light and comfortable operation feeling with lesstorque can be presented to the user.

Second Embodiment

<Presentation of Tactile Sense According to State of Apparatus>

In a second embodiment, by changing a waveform of a voltage signal to beapplied according to an operation state of an apparatus on which thetactile presentation touch display 1 is mounted, the same frictionalforce (torque) is presented regardless of an operation state of theapparatus. The other configurations are the same as those of the firstembodiment, and thus detailed description of the configurations isomitted here.

Hereinafter, a specific example of a configuration of a waveform of avoltage signal will be described. Note that the operation range of thetactile presentation knob 3 and the configuration of a waveform of avoltage signal are similar to those in FIGS. 38 and 39 .

FIG. 56 illustrates a waveform of the voltage signal V applied when theindication position 50 of the tactile presentation knob 3 is present ateach of the operation lower limit position a, the operation region b,and the operation upper limit position c. FIG. 57 illustrates thefrictional force F generated between the tactile presentation knob 3 andthe tactile presentation panel 100 when the voltage signal illustratedin FIG. 56 is applied. The same applies to FIGS. 58 to 65 describedbelow.

FIGS. 56 to 65 illustrate examples of presenting a vibration feeling ofclimbing over a fine projection when a mechanical dial knob is operatedto the operation region b of the tactile presentation knob 3. FIGS. 58to 65 illustrate specific examples of a waveform of a voltage signalpresented to the tactile presentation knob 3 when an apparatus is in anoperation state. FIGS. 56 and 57 illustrate specific examples of awaveform of a voltage signal presented to the tactile presentation knob3 when an apparatus is in a stopped state.

As illustrated in FIGS. 56 and 57 , when the apparatus is in a stoppedstate, voltage signals of positive and negative voltages V_(b) and−V_(b) are alternately applied to the operation region b at an optionalcycle. In this case, in the operation region b, a period in which africtional force is generated and a period in which no frictional forceis generated are alternately generated, and, during rotation operationof the tactile presentation knob 3, catching with a feeling of torqueand sliding with no feeling of torque are alternately repeated. In thismanner, the tactile presentation knob 3 presents a tactile sense of afine vibration feeling to the indicator 2. When the apparatus is in astopped state, there are few factors that lower tactile sensitivity suchas vibration or noise in an operation environment. Accordingly, anamplitude of a voltage signal applied to the operation region b isreduced to present a light operation feeling with less torque.

In contrast, as illustrated in FIGS. 58 and 59 , when the apparatus isin an operation state, a voltage signal having a large amplitude isapplied to the operation region b, so that a strong frictional forcethat allows the user to sufficiently perceive a tactile sense even in astate where the apparatus is operating and vibrating is generated.

In order to generate a strong frictional force, not only the amplitudeof a voltage signal is increased as in FIGS. 58 and 59 , but also thereis a method of lengthening the application time of the voltage signal asillustrated in FIGS. 60 and 61 . Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 62 and63 , there is also a method of applying a voltage signal that has anamplitude to the positive and negative voltages V_(b) and −V_(b) tolengthen time during which the voltage signal is effectively applied.Furthermore, in a case where the operation environment is an environmentwith strong vibration or an environment in which more reliability isrequired for operation, as illustrated in FIGS. 64 and 65 , a voltagesignal having the same positive and negative voltages V_(a) and −V_(a)as that applied to the operation lower limit position a and theoperation upper limit position c may be applied to the operation regionb. It is possible to generate a frictional force that is about twice aslarge as that in a case where the waveform of a voltage signalillustrated in FIG. 58 is applied.

<Effect>

According to the second embodiment, even in a case where the sametactile sense is presented, the strength of a frictional force ischanged according to a difference in an operation environment, so thatthe same tactile sense is presented to the user without being affectedby the operation environment. In this way, by selectively using anoperation feeling of strong torque and an operation feeling of weaktorque according to the operation environment, it is possible to providethe user with the comfort in operating the tactile presentation knob 3.

Third Embodiment

<Presentation of Tactile Sense at Start of Operation>

The first and second embodiments describe the example in which differentfrictional forces are presented according to a state of an apparatus onwhich the tactile presentation touch display 1 is mounted. In the thirdembodiment, in addition to the first embodiment or the secondembodiment, different frictional forces are presented according to astate when operation is started and a state when the same operation iscontinuously performed.

As illustrated in FIG. 66 , in the third embodiment, an operation startregion b₁ and an operation continuation region b₂ are set as operationregions of the tactile presentation knob 3. The other configurations arethe same as those of the first embodiment or the second embodiment, andthus detailed description of the configurations is omitted here.

The operation start region b₁ is a region within a predetermined rangefrom the operation lower limit position a in the operation region. Theoperation continuation region b₂ is an operation region other than theoperation start region b₁.

FIG. 67 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of awaveform of a voltage signal applied when the indication position 50 ofthe tactile presentation knob 3 is present at each of the operationlower limit position a, the operation start region b₁, the operationcontinuation region b₂, and the operation upper limit position c.Specifically, while the indication position 50 is at the operation lowerlimit position a, a voltage signal s1 is applied. Then, a voltage signals4 is applied while the indication position 50 rotates from theoperation lower limit position a toward the operation continuationregion b₂ in the operation start region b₁, and the voltage signal s2 isapplied while the indication position 50 rotates toward the operationupper limit position c in the operation continuation region b₂. Afterthat, while the indication position 50 is at the operation upper limitposition c, the voltage signal s3 is applied.

FIG. 68 illustrates a waveform of the voltage signal V applied when theindication position 50 of the tactile presentation knob 3 is present ateach of the operation lower limit position a, the operation start regionb₁, the operation continuation region b₂, and the operation upper limitposition c. FIG. 69 illustrates the frictional force F generated betweenthe tactile presentation knob 3 and the tactile presentation panel 100when the voltage signal illustrated in FIG. 68 is applied. The sameapplies to FIGS. 70 to 77 described below. Note that FIGS. 68 and 69illustrate specific examples of a waveform of a voltage signal presentedto the tactile presentation knob 3 when an apparatus is in a stoppedstate. FIGS. 70 to 77 illustrate specific examples of a waveform of avoltage signal presented to the tactile presentation knob 3 when anapparatus is in an operation state.

As illustrated in FIGS. 68 and 69 , in the operation start region b₁, africtional force is generated by applying a voltage signal lower thanthose at the operation lower limit position a and the operation upperlimit position c so that the user feels small torque that does nothinder operation but requires a little force for rotation operation, anda state of starting operation is presented by a tactile sense.

FIGS. 70 to 75 illustrate specific examples of a case in which a signalwaveform presented at the start of operation of the tactile presentationknob 3 is obtained by using only a voltage signal having the polarity onone side. In this case, in the operation continuation region b₂, avoltage signal lower than those at the operation lower limit position aand the operation upper limit position c is applied so that the userfeels slight torque (weight of operation) in rotation operation althoughthe operation is not hindered. Further, in the operation start regionb₁, a voltage signal larger than that in the operation continuationregion b₂ is applied to generate a frictional force so that the userfeels torque stronger than that in the operation continuation region b₂although the operation is not hindered, and a state of starting theoperation is presented by a tactile sense. When the polarities ofvoltage signals in the regions are combined so as to alternate thepositive and negative, for example, a voltage difference at the time ofswitching from the operation start region b, to the operationcontinuation region b₂ becomes large, so that the user can easilyperceive a change in a tactile sense (torque). Note that the voltagesignal may be configured to gradually change at the time of switchingfrom the operation start region b₁ to the operation continuation regionb₂.

FIGS. 76 and 77 illustrate specific examples of a case in which a signalwaveform presented at the start of operation of the tactile presentationknob 3 is obtained by using a voltage signal having positive andnegative amplitudes. In this case, amplitudes in regions are in arelationship of the operation lower limit position a and the operationupper limit position c>the operation start region b₁>the operationcontinuation region b₂.

<Effect>

According to the third embodiment, a frictional force stronger than thatwhen the same operation is continued is generated at the start ofoperation, so that different tactile senses (torques) are presented tothe user at the start of the operation and when the same operation iscontinued. In this manner, it is possible to notify the user thatoperation starts and the apparatus starts to receive the operation.

Fourth Embodiment

<Presentation of Tactile Sense at Start of Operation>

In a fourth embodiment, when operation is started from a state in whichthe indication position 50 of the tactile presentation knob indicatessomewhere in the operation region, a tactile sense similar to that inthe third embodiment is presented to the user.

As illustrated in FIG. 78 , in the fourth embodiment, an operation startregion b₃ and an operation continuation region b₄ are set as operationregions of the tactile presentation knob 3. The other configurations arethe same as those of the third embodiment, and thus detailed descriptionof the configurations is omitted here.

The operation start region b₃ is a region in the operation region andwithin a predetermined range from an operation start position e. Theoperation continuation region b₄ is an operation region from theoperation start position e to the operation upper limit position c. Notethat a region from the operation lower limit position a to the operationstart position e is also an operation region.

FIG. 79 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of awaveform of a voltage signal applied when the indication position 50 ofthe tactile presentation knob 3 is present at each of the operationstart region b₃, the operation continuation region b₄, and the operationupper limit position c. Specifically, the voltage signal s4 is appliedwhile the indication position 50 rotates from the operation startposition e toward the operation continuation region b₄ in the operationstart region b₃, and the voltage signal s2 is applied while theindication position 50 rotates toward the operation upper limit positionc in the operation continuation region b₄. After that, while theindication position 50 is at the operation upper limit position c, thevoltage signal s3 is applied.

FIG. 80 illustrates a waveform of the voltage signal V applied when theindication position 50 of the tactile presentation knob 3 is present ateach of the operation start region b₃, the operation continuation regionb₄, and the operation upper limit position c. FIG. 81 illustrates thefrictional force F generated between the tactile presentation knob 3 andthe tactile presentation panel 100 when the voltage signal illustratedin FIG. 80 is applied. Note that FIGS. 80 and 81 illustrate specificexamples of a waveform of a voltage signal presented to the tactilepresentation knob 3 when an apparatus is in an operation state.

As illustrated in FIGS. 80 and 81 , in the operation start region b₃, africtional force is generated by applying a voltage signal lower thanthat at the operation upper limit position c so that the user feelssmall torque that does not hinder operation but requires a little forcefor rotation operation, and a state of starting operation is presentedby a tactile sense. In this case, amplitudes in regions are in arelationship of the operation lower limit position a and the operationupper limit position c>the operation start region b₃>the operationcontinuation region b₄.

<Effect>

According to the fourth embodiment, a frictional force stronger thanthat when the same operation is continued is generated at the start ofoperation, so that different tactile senses (torques) are presented tothe user at the start of the operation and when the same operation iscontinued. In this manner, it is possible to notify the user thatoperation starts and the apparatus starts to receive the operation.

Fifth Embodiment

<Presentation of Tactile Sense at Time of Push Operation>

In a fifth embodiment, a tactile sense is presented when operation (pushoperation) of pressing down the tactile presentation knob 3 isperformed. The other configurations are the same as those of the firstembodiment or the second embodiment, and thus detailed description ofthe configurations is omitted here.

As illustrated in FIG. 82 , in the fifth embodiment, the tactilepresentation knob 3 is rotated to select an optional numerical value atthe indication position 50, and the tactile presentation knob 3 ispressed at the selected position to determine the selected numericalvalue.

A selection region f indicates a region corresponding to an optionalnumerical value selected by the indication position 50. When the tactilepresentation knob 3 is pressed in the selection region f, the indicationposition 50 is determined to be at the selected numerical value.

FIG. 83 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of awaveform of a voltage signal applied when the indication position 50 ofthe tactile presentation knob 3 is present at each of the operationlower limit position a, an operation region b₅, the selection region f,an operation region be, and the operation upper limit position c.Specifically, while the indication position 50 is at the operation lowerlimit position a, the voltage signal s1 is applied. Then, the voltagesignal s2 is applied while the indication position 50 rotates from theoperation lower limit position a toward the selection region f in theoperation region b₅, and the voltage signal s3 is applied while theindication position 50 is at the selection region f. After the above,the voltage signal s2 is applied while the indication position 50rotates from the selection region f toward the operation upper limitposition c in the operation region b₆, and the voltage signal s3 isapplied while the indication position 50 is present at the operationupper limit position c.

The selection region f may be at any position as long as it is withinthe operation region b₅ and the operation region b₆. A period of theselection region f is the same as a period during which the userperforms operation of pressing down the tactile presentation knob 3. Ifthe user continues to press down the tactile presentation knob 3, theperiod of the selection region f also becomes longer, and in a casewhere time during which the user presses down the tactile presentationknob 3 is short, the period of the selection region f also becomesshorter.

FIG. 84 illustrates a waveform of the voltage signal V applied when theindication position 50 of the tactile presentation knob 3 is present ateach of the operation lower limit position a, the operation region b₅,the selection region f, the operation region b₆, and the operation upperlimit position c. FIG. 85 illustrates the frictional force F generatedbetween the tactile presentation knob 3 and the tactile presentationpanel 100 when the voltage signal illustrated in FIG. 84 is applied. Thesame applies to FIGS. 86 and 87 described below. Note that FIGS. 84 and85 illustrate specific examples of a waveform of a voltage signalpresented to the tactile presentation knob 3 when an apparatus is in astopped state. FIGS. 86 and 87 illustrate specific examples of awaveform of a voltage signal presented to the tactile presentation knob3 when an apparatus is in an operation state.

As illustrated in FIGS. 84 to 87 , when pressure for pressing down thetactile presentation panel 100 starts to be applied at the time ofoperation and exceeds an optional threshold value, it is determined thatan optional numerical value is selected for the indication position 50,and the same voltage signal as the voltage signal applied to theoperation lower limit position a and the operation upper limit positionc is continuously applied to the selection region f during the pressing.In this manner, a strong frictional force is generated between thetactile presentation panel 100 and the tactile presentation knob 3, andthe tactile presentation knob 3 is attracted and fixed to the tactilepresentation panel 100. At this time, even if the direction of a forcefor pressing down the tactile presentation knob 3 is shifted from thevertical direction to the lateral direction, the tactile presentationknob 3 does not easily move or undergo unintentional rotation. Forexample, even if the user performs push operation of the tactilepresentation knob 3 with one finger, the tactile presentation knob 3 ispressed down in the vertical direction, and the tactile presentationtouch display 1 detects pressure by the push operation.

<Effect>

According to the fifth embodiment, generation of a strong frictionalforce during push operation prevents unnecessary rotation and sliding ofthe tactile presentation knob 3, so that erroneous operations can bereduced.

Note that, in the above description, the case where the presentinvention is applied to the first and second embodiments is described.However, the present invention is also applicable to the third andfourth embodiments.

Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 88 is a diagram illustrating a usage example of a case where thetactile presentation touch display 1 described in the first to fifthembodiments is mounted on a factory automation (FA) device 500. In FIG.88 , the tactile presentation touch display 1 is mounted on the FAdevice 500, and the tactile presentation knob 3 is placed on anoperation surface of the tactile presentation panel 100 of the tactilepresentation touch display 1.

When the FA device 500 is stopped, the user can operate the tactilepresentation knob 3 while gazing at the display panel 300 of the tactilepresentation touch display 1. Therefore, in this case, smooth and lightoperability is required for the tactile presentation knob 3.Specifically, for example, the frictional force as illustrated in FIGS.41, 42, 47, 48, 51, 52, 56, 57, 68, 69, 84, and 85 is presented as atactile sense.

In contrast, since an operation condition is changed while the FA device500 is in operation, it is necessary to alert the user. In this case, itis desirable to present a strong frictional force to the user as atactile sense. Specifically, for example, the frictional force asillustrated in FIGS. 41, 42, 45, 46, 49, 50, 53, 54, 58 to 65, 70 to 77,80, 81, 86, and 87 is presented as a tactile sense.

Note that, in the above description, the case where the tactilepresentation touch display 1 is mounted on the FA device 500 isdescribed. However, the present invention is not limited to this case.The present invention can be applied to an apparatus that needs to alertthe user with a strong frictional force. For example, a frictional forcewhen the user is driving a car may be larger than a frictional forcewhen the car is stopped.

<Effect>

According to the sixth embodiment, by changing a frictional forceaccording to a difference in an operation environment, it is possible toprovide the user with the comfort of operation of the tactilepresentation knob 3.

Seventh Embodiment

<Control of Frictional Force by Ultrasonic Wave>

FIG. 89 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of aconfiguration of the tactile presentation touch display 1 according to aseventh embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 89 , in the seventhembodiment, an ultrasonic wave element 60 (vibration element) isinstalled on an outer peripheral portion of a surface opposite to asurface in contact with the tactile presentation knob 3 of thetransparent insulating substrate 101. The other configurations aresubstantially the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus thedescription of the configurations is omitted here.

A frictional force between the tactile presentation knob 3 and thetransparent insulating substrate 101 may be controlled by an ultrasonicwave. In this case, a wavelength range of the ultrasonic wave is lowerthan a high frequency range in which an air layer is generated betweenthe tactile presentation knob 3 and the transparent insulating substrate101 and no frictional force is generated.

The ultrasonic wave elements 60 are desirably installed at symmetricalpositions in an outer peripheral portion of the transparent insulatingsubstrate 101. By controlling a vibration timing of the ultrasonic waveelement 60, a position where vibration of a surface of the transparentinsulating substrate 101 resonates can be set at the same position as anindication position 50 of the tactile presentation knob 3. In this case,it is possible to generate vibration having an equivalent amplitude witha smaller voltage than that in a case where the ultrasonic wave elements60 operate in synchronization, which can contribute to reduction inoverall power consumption of the tactile presentation touch display 1.

<Effect>

According to the seventh embodiment, a surface of the transparentinsulating substrate 101 is vibrated using the ultrasonic wave element60 to generate a frictional force between the tactile presentation knob3 and the transparent insulating substrate 101. Therefore, in a casewhere the tactile presentation touch display 1 is used outdoors such ason the sea, the tactile presentation knob 3 can be used.

Note that, in the first to seventh embodiments, the case where thetactile presentation knob 3 is used and rotation operation is performedabout the rotation shaft of the knob. However, the present invention isnot limited to this. For example, each of the first to seventhembodiments can also be applied to a case where the tactile presentationknob 3 is slid like a slide switch. Specifically, by using the tactilepresentation knob 3 like a stylus pen, not only vertical, horizontal,and oblique linear slide, but also circular slide that draws a circle,zigzag slide, and the like can be performed.

Note that, in the present disclosure, preferred embodiments can befreely combined with each other, and each preferred embodiment can beappropriately modified or omitted.

Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, the aboveexplanation is exemplary in all the aspects, and the present disclosureis not limited to the explanation. It is understood that countlessvariations that are not exemplified are conceivable without departingfrom the scope of the present disclosure.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE SIGNS

-   -   1: tactile presentation touch display    -   3: tactile presentation knob    -   4: rotation portion    -   5: fixing portion    -   6: conductive elastic portion    -   6 a: outer diameter    -   7: position detection unit    -   8: gap    -   9: fixing hole    -   10: rotation portion side surface    -   11: indication position line    -   12: rotation portion upper surface    -   13: fixing table    -   14: shaft portion    -   15: bottom surface portion    -   16: boundary portion conductive portion    -   17: adhesive portion    -   20 a, 20 b: adhesive    -   40: switch    -   50: indication position    -   100: tactile presentation panel    -   101: transparent insulating substrate    -   102: tactile electrode    -   102 a: first electrode    -   102 b: second electrode    -   106: dielectric layer    -   107: tactile presentation panel terminal portion    -   108: FPC    -   110: voltage supply circuit    -   113: tactile presentation voltage generation circuit    -   113 a: first voltage generation circuit    -   113 b: second voltage generation circuit    -   114: tactile presentation control circuit    -   115: charge discharge portion    -   150: tactile presentation screen    -   200: touch panel    -   201: substrate    -   202: excitation electrode    -   203: detection electrode    -   204: interlayer insulating film    -   205: insulating film    -   206: row direction wiring layer    -   207: column direction wiring layer    -   208: touch screen terminal portion    -   209: shield wiring layer    -   210: touch detection circuit    -   212: charge detection circuit    -   213: touch detection control circuit    -   214: touch coordinate calculation circuit    -   215: excitation pulse generation circuit    -   216: pressure sensitive sensor    -   300: display panel    -   400: tactile presentation touch panel    -   500: FA device

The invention claimed is:
 1. A tactile presentation control apparatusthat has a tactile presentation knob placed on an operation surface andpresents a tactile sense to a user via the tactile presentation knob,the tactile presentation control apparatus comprising: a tactiledetermination unit that determines the tactile sense according to astate of an apparatus operated with the tactile presentation knob; and atactile control unit that performs control to present, as the tactilesense determined by the tactile determination unit, a frictional forcebetween the tactile presentation knob and the operation surface in astate where the tactile presentation knob and the operation surface havecontact with each other.
 2. The tactile presentation control apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein a frictional force generated in thetactile presentation knob is a frictional force generated in the tactilepresentation knob on the operation surface.
 3. A tactile presentationpanel, comprising: the tactile presentation control apparatus accordingto claim 1; and a contact position detection unit that detects a contactposition between the tactile presentation knob and the operationsurface, wherein, the tactile control unit performs control to present,as the tactile sense determined by the tactile determination unit, africtional force between the tactile presentation knob and the operationsurface at the contact position detected by the contact positiondetection unit.
 4. The tactile presentation panel according to claim 3,wherein the tactile determination unit determines a first tactile senseto be the tactile sense when the apparatus is in a first state, anddetermines a second tactile sense different from the first tactile senseto be the tactile sense when the apparatus is in a second state.
 5. Thetactile presentation panel according to claim 3, further comprising: atactile electrode including a plurality of first electrodes and aplurality of second electrodes provided on the operation surface of thetactile presentation panel; a dielectric layer covering the tactileelectrode; and a voltage generation circuit that generates a firstvoltage signal having a first frequency to be applied to at least one ofthe first electrodes located in at least a partial region on theoperation surface, and generates a second voltage signal having a secondfrequency different from the first frequency to be applied to at leastone of the second electrodes located in at least a partial region on theoperation surface, wherein a frictional force between the tactilepresentation knob and the operation surface is generated based on thefirst voltage signal and the second voltage signal generated by thevoltage generation circuit.
 6. The tactile presentation panel accordingto claim 3, further comprising: at least one vibration element thatvibrates the operation surface of the tactile presentation panel with anultrasonic wave, wherein the tactile control unit performs control topresent the tactile sense by vibration of the vibration element.
 7. Thetactile presentation panel according to claim 5, wherein the tactilecontrol unit controls magnitude of a frictional force between thetactile presentation knob and the operation surface based on anamplitude and application time of the first voltage signal and thesecond voltage signal generated by the voltage generation circuit. 8.The tactile presentation panel according to claim 3, wherein the tactilecontrol unit performs control such that the frictional force forpredetermined time from start of operation of the tactile presentationknob becomes larger than the frictional force after predetermined timefrom the start of operation elapses.
 9. The tactile presentation panelaccording to claim 3, wherein the tactile control unit performs controlsuch that the frictional force when the tactile presentation knob ispressed down during operation becomes larger than the frictional forceduring operation of the tactile presentation knob.
 10. The tactilepresentation panel according to claim 3, wherein the tactile controlunit performs control such that the frictional force of when theapparatus is in operation becomes larger than the frictional force whenthe operation is stopped.
 11. The tactile presentation panel accordingto claim 3, wherein the tactile control unit performs control such thatthe frictional force when the user is driving a car becomes larger thanthe frictional force when the car is stopped.
 12. A tactile presentationtouch panel comprising: the tactile presentation panel according toclaim 3; and a touch panel arranged on a side opposite to the operationsurface of the tactile presentation panel, wherein the contact positiondetection unit is included in the touch panel instead of the tactilepresentation panel.
 13. The tactile presentation touch panel accordingto claim 12, wherein a detection electrode and an excitation electrodeof the touch panel are arranged as a pair in a matrix.
 14. A tactilepresentation touch display comprising: the tactile presentation touchpanel according to claim 12; and a display panel attached to the tactilepresentation touch panel.
 15. The tactile presentation control apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the tactile determination unit determinesa first tactile sense to be the tactile sense when the apparatus is in afirst state, and determines a second tactile sense different from thefirst tactile sense to be the tactile sense when the apparatus is in asecond state.
 16. The tactile presentation control apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the tactile control unit performs control such thatthe frictional force for predetermined time from start of operation ofthe tactile presentation knob becomes larger than the frictional forceafter predetermined time from the start of operation elapses.
 17. Thetactile presentation control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thetactile control unit performs control such that the frictional forcewhen the tactile presentation knob is pressed down during operationbecomes larger than the frictional force during operation of the tactilepresentation knob.
 18. The tactile presentation control apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the tactile control unit performs controlsuch that the frictional force of when the apparatus is in operationbecomes larger than the frictional force when the operation is stopped.19. The tactile presentation control apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the tactile control unit performs control such that thefrictional force when the user is driving a car becomes larger than thefrictional force when the car is stopped.